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Chris from Nailsea
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« on: December 28, 2025, 18:38:26 » |
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From the BBC» : Cold weather to ring in New Year as amber health alerts issued
The UK▸ Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued two amber health alerts for parts of the country as cold weather is set to ring in the new year.
The alerts, which warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people, cover the North East and North West of England from 20:00 GMT on Sunday to 12:00 on 5 January.
Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall to around -4C, with snow predicted in the North West on 3 and 4 January. The low temperatures are likely to affect health and care services, the agency added.
Overnight into Monday, temperatures are expected to fall to as low as -1C in Penrith, with northern areas of Scotland set for temperatures of -6C.
Other impacts include temperatures inside hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and challenges for people keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, the UKHSA said. Staffing issues, due to travel delays, may also arise from the cold spell.
Most of England will be cloudy overnight, and there will be patches of frost and fog which could mean "tricky travelling conditions" on Monday morning, the forecaster said.
Brisk northwesterly winds could bring wintry showers to the areas of northern England and drizzle in the lead up to New Year's Day.
Between 2 and 11 January, cold northerly winds in Scotland are expected to become dominant across the UK, bringing snow showers mainly to coastal areas that will work south, the Met Office said.
Inland locations across central and southern areas will remain mostly dry but cold.
On Friday, temperatures in the the North East and North West will feel colder due to the wind chill - a temperature of -4C could feel more like -8C, the Met Office said.
The agency also issued less serious yellow cold health alerts for the rest of England, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.
Temperatures in areas covered by the yellow warning are expected to fall to around highs of 6C and lows below freezing from New Year's Day.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said it was "vital" to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are vulnerable.
The predicted temperatures can have a "serious impact" on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, he warned.
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2025, 14:09:54 » |
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From the BBC» : Warning of snow and gale-force winds on New Year's Day in Scotland
Heavy snow and gale-force winds have been forecast for north and north-east Scotland at the start of the new year.
The Met Office has issued a yellow "be aware" warning from 06:00 on Thursday - New Year's Day - until midnight on Friday.
It said there could be up to two inches (5cm) of snow at low levels by Friday, with four inches (10cm) in some places.
Up to eight inches (20cm) of snow could accumulate on higher ground, with as much as 12 inches (30cm) on the hills. There is a warning of "significant" drifting of snow due to the high winds.
The warning includes the Northern Isles, Hebrides and parts of Argyll and Bute.
The Met Office said it was likely that frequent and heavy snow showers would disrupt travel.
In England, two amber health alerts have been issued by the UK▸ Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The alerts, which warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people, cover the North East and North West of England until 12:00 on 5 January.
Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall to around -4C, with snow predicted in the North West on 3 and 4 January.
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2025, 14:35:18 » |
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A very detailed update, from the BBC» : UK▸ prepares for New Year celebrations as cold weather warnings issued
It is an excellent, detailed and wide-ranging updated news item, so I won't quote from it here: please click on this link to read it all, or just pick out the parts that affect you. Please do take care out there, if you are travelling, and have a Happy New Year! CfN▸ .  |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2026, 14:53:54 » |
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For the first (and probably only) time in my life, I will quote Frank Sinatra: "Oh, the weather outside is frightful ..." From the BBC» : Snow alerts upgraded to amber as Scots warned of blizzard conditions
Amber snow warnings have been issued for parts of northern Scotland as the country braces for several days of wintry weather.
Parts of the north east, Highland, Perth and Kinross and Angus are expected to be blanketed with up to 20cm (7.9ins) of snow in low levels, with blizzard conditions forecast from 12:00 on Friday until 12:00 on Saturday.
Ferry services have already been disrupted as snow begins to dust the north of Scotland and police have urged motorists to plan ahead before travelling.
A less severe yellow warning is already in place for most areas north of Dundee throughout New Year's Day, lasting until midnight on Sunday.
CalMac has said that services leaving Stornoway and Ullapool on Friday had been cancelled due to strong winds forecast and that other sailings were likely to be disrupted at short notice.
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Choppy waters earlier at Kirkwall harbour on Orkney
(BBC news article continues)
I noted that the author of this latest BBC Scotland news item is Mary McCool. I don't know her, but I do wish her well with her rather apposite name, while she is working on New Year's Day. Chris from Nailsea.  |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2026, 14:17:15 » |
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Very sad, out there. From the BBC» : Man who died trying to save people from sea named
[Image from here is not available to guests]
Mark Ratcliffe was pulled unconscious from the sea on Friday
A man who died trying to save two people from the sea in East Yorkshire has been named as Mark Ratcliffe.
In a tribute, his family said the 67-year-old was "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others".
Mr Ratcliffe was pulled unconscious from the water and died at the scene at Withernsea on Friday, Humberside Police said.
Police said another body recovered on Friday evening was that of a 45-year-old woman. Officers are continuing to search for one remaining missing person.
Mr Ratcliffe's family said: "So many lives are now shattered that you're gone. You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you."
Mr Ratcliffe's son, in a Facebook post, thanked the RNLI» , HM coastguards and the emergency services who had done "all they could" and worked tirelessly and relentlessly in awful weather conditions. "Bye Dad, I miss you and I will never forget the true hero and role model you were," he wrote.
At 15:10 GMT on Friday, the coastguard responded to reports of "a number of people in difficulty" in the water. Eyewitnesses said they had seen people rushing into the sea to rescue a young woman who had fallen in.
What followed was a huge search and rescue operation involving about 100 emergency workers, a rescue helicopter, air ambulance and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea Inshore Rescue. The search was paused at about 00:30 on Saturday and resumed at first light but was stood down at 16:00.
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2026, 20:01:04 » |
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An update, from the BBC» : Mother and daughter named as sea tragedy victims
[Image from here is not available to guests]
Grace Keeling and Sarah Keeling went into the sea off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday with passer-by Mark Ratcliffe
A man who died trying to save two people from the sea in East Yorkshire on Friday was attempting to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter, Humberside police said.
Officers said 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe entered the water at Withernsea to try and save 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling.
In a tribute, Mr Ratcliffe's family said he was "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others".
Police said the bodies of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe were recovered on Friday evening, and officers were still searching to locate Grace.
Mr Ratcliffe's family said: "So many lives are now shattered that you're gone. You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you."
Mr Ratcliffe's son, in a Facebook post, thanked the RNLI» , HM coastguards and the emergency services who had done "all they could" and worked tirelessly and relentlessly in awful weather conditions. "Bye Dad, I miss you and I will never forget the true hero and role model you were," he wrote.
Police said both families were being supported by specially trained officers.
(BBC article continues)
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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ChrisB
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« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2026, 11:49:37 » |
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From the BBC» includes..... ScotRail said "route proving" was under way on Monday morning but some services are unlikely to operate until Monday afternoon.
The operator said services along the Highland Main Line, between Inverness and Perth, was running.
But those between Aberdeen and Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness and the Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh/Wick routes were likely to be affected, it said.
Network Rail, which maintains the infrastructure, said trains could not run safely in snow depths exceeding 30cm (12ins) unless fitted with snow ploughs.
Appealing for patience, its route director Ross Moran said: "Safety of our passengers and our colleagues is our top priority.
"We'll only reopen lines and return to normal operations once we're confident it's safe to do so".
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Network Rail posted this image of the line at Achnasheen on Sunday to explain why the Kyle of Lochalsh line was closed. And again, From another BBC pageNetwork Rail, which looks after rail infrastructure, said heavy snow had seen snowplough locomotives dispatched in areas such as Kintore in Aberdeenshire as well as further north on the line to Wick.
One of its snowploughs encountered drifts up to 1.2m (4ft) deep near Laurencekirk.
Train operator ScotRail said it would be unable to resume some services until Monday afternoon.
Aberdeen – Dundee, Aberdeen – Inverness and Inverness – Wick/Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh routes were most likely to be affected.
Service delivery director Mark Ilderton said: "Safety is our number one priority so it's very important we make sure all routes that have been affected by the heavy snowfall and low temperatures are safe before we run any passenger services."
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The railway tracks were barely visible at Insch in Aberdeenshire
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The Far North Line locomotive stopped at Helmsdale on the way to Wick
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Trowres
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« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2026, 16:07:37 » |
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Rail replacement transport is running on the following routes:
Between Inverness and Aberdeen (operated by D&E Coaches and RS Coaches)
Between Dundee and Aberdeen (operated by RS Coaches, Bay Travel, and Dochertys Coaches)
Coaches will aim to depart as close to the train times as possible.
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ChrisB
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« Reply #8 on: January 06, 2026, 15:23:08 » |
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FRom the Met OfficeStorm Goretti likely to bring heavy snow leading to disruption and difficult travelling conditions.
A deep area of low pressure will move across the south of the UK▸ during Thursday and into Friday bringing a mixture of rain, snow and strong winds.
A spell of heavy snow is likely to develop over higher ground in south Wales later on Thursday before rain turns to snow more widely over parts of England and Wales during Thursday night. In some areas, 5-10 cm of snow may settle with the potential for up to 20 cm in some locations, especially over higher ground. Strong winds may lead to some drifting of snow. Rain and snow will then clear eastwards during Friday.
This system has been named by Meteo France as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.
London & South East England
Buckinghamshire
Milton Keynes
Oxfordshire
West Berkshire
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset
Bristol
Gloucestershire
North Somerset
Somerset
South Gloucestershire
Swindon
Wiltshire
Wales
Blaenau Gwent
Bridgend
Caerphilly
Cardiff
Carmarthenshire
Ceredigion
Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Merthyr Tydfil
Monmouthshire
Neath Port Talbot
Newport
Powys
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Swansea
Torfaen
Vale of Glamorgan
Wrexham
++
Thursday 1800 - Friday midday
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #9 on: January 11, 2026, 16:45:25 » |
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From the BBC» : Weather risk brings flooding as snow warnings downgraded
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Drivers face deep water on rural roads near Parkhill in Aberdeenshire
Heavy rain and melting snow has brought flooding to parts of Scotland, after a week of winter weather disruption.
Scotland's environment agency Sepa has issued a series of alerts as the Met Office downgraded a weekend warning for further snow.
Many roads in North East Scotland have been hit by floodwater after last week's freezing temperatures eased on Sunday.
Emergency services were called to deep water on A92 at Portlethen and the A90 at Toll of Birness, with various other reports of flooding across the region.
An amber snow alert in central Scotland, Grampian and the Highlands had been due to run until 15:00 on Sunday, but ended at 11:00. A yellow warning lapsed at 14:00
Yellow warnings for wind and rain have been put in place overnight until 10:00 on Monday.
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Cars navigate the flooded A90 near Portlethen in Aberdeenshire
In Orkney, a flood warning is in place for the Churchill Barriers causeway. It connects the main island to South Ronaldsay through Burray and the islands of Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
In the south of Scotland, Sepa has also issued a warning over rising river levels in Newton Stewart. A series of less severe flood alerts are in place in other parts of the country.
Pascal Lardet, Sepa flood duty manager, said: "With rainfall forecast to spread north and as temperatures rise following recent cold conditions, rain and thaw of lying snow will increase the risk of flooding. Possible impacts could include flooding of low lying land, roads and individual properties."
In Argyll, road management firm Bear Scotland said traffic from the A83 Rest and Be Thankful had been rerouted as a precaution due to forecast rain. Bear Scotland's Euan Scott said: "Heavy rainfall is expected throughout Sunday, which will increase saturation levels on the hillside. We have therefore made the decision to utilise the Old Military Road as a proactive safety measure."
The firm said a decision to lift the diversion would be made after a hillside inspection on Monday. The flooding comes after Scotland faced a week of snow and ice disruption across northern areas.
More than 250 schools remained closed on Friday, including more than 150 in Aberdeenshire, dozens in the Highlands and Aberdeen, and a number in Moray. Aberdeen City Council said all schools should be open again on Monday. Many pupils had a whole week off school at the start of the new term.
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A worker closes snow gates in Spittal of Glenshee near the Cairngorms
Pah.  I would have driven a Mercedes Sprinter van through [Image from here is not available to guests] - but I was a professional delivery driver, until I retired. CfN▸ . |
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« Last Edit: January 11, 2026, 20:01:02 by Chris from Nailsea »
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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ChrisB
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« Reply #10 on: January 22, 2026, 12:53:25 » |
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From the Met OfficeMore wet and windy weather on the way for some
On Friday, while rain will continue for eastern and central parts of Scotland, a slow-moving area of low pressure to the southwest brings wet and windy weather, with a rain and wind warning issued.
“An area of low pressure, named Storm Ingrid by the Portuguese national weather service, will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across much of southwest England on Friday before easing on Saturday morning,” said Neil.
“The system is slow-moving but will bring more than 20mm of rain for some which is falling on saturated ground, increasing the chances of impacts. In addition to rain, large waves and gusty winds are likely, especially along southern coasts, with 60mph peaks possible, with 45-50mph inland.”
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GBM
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« Reply #11 on: January 22, 2026, 20:38:03 » |
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From the Met OfficeMore wet and windy weather on the way for some
On Friday, while rain will continue for eastern and central parts of Scotland, a slow-moving area of low pressure to the southwest brings wet and windy weather, with a rain and wind warning issued.
“An area of low pressure, named Storm Ingrid by the Portuguese national weather service, will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across much of southwest England on Friday before easing on Saturday morning,” said Neil.
“The system is slow-moving but will bring more than 20mm of rain for some which is falling on saturated ground, increasing the chances of impacts. In addition to rain, large waves and gusty winds are likely, especially along southern coasts, with 60mph peaks possible, with 45-50mph inland.” Our local BBC» weather advises the low is going to sit just South of Cornwall for around 12 hours! Static for a while unfortunately. |
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ChrisB
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« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2026, 11:20:56 » |
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From BBC» WeatherUK▸ braces for severe wind and rain as Storm Chandra named
Severe weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued ahead of the expected arrival of Storm Chandra.
Chandra has been named by the UK Met Office and is due to hit the UK on Tuesday.
It is the third major storm to hit the UK this month after Goretti and Ingrid, which caused significant damage and disruption.
Chandra will be accompanied by multiple hazards, widely heavy and persistent rain, and gales or even severe gales in exposed areas.
The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for Northern Ireland to accompany Storm Chandra, external.
The warning is in place for eastern parts of Northern Ireland, from 05:00 on Tuesday until 21:00.
Winds will escalate with coastal gales, even severe gales and damaging gusts of up to 75mph (120km/h).
These sort of wind speeds will lead to large coastal waves which are likely to overtop the sea walls and promenades.
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It has also issued an amber warning for heavy rain from 17:00 Monday until 09:00 Tuesday for south-west England.
30-50mm rainfall is likely widely, with 60-80mm across some higher ground, especially south Dartmoor.
These areas have already had a large amount of rain, so there is a risk of flooding as more rain falls on ground that is currently saturated.
Yellow warnings - the least severe level of warning - are more numerous:
Northern Ireland, valid from 12:00 Monday until 18:00, for persistent rain and flood risk with 10 to 20mm widely, up to 40mm over the hills.
South-west England and Wales, valid from 15:00 Monday until 12:00 Tuesday, for 20 to 30mm widely, but as much as 80mm over Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
South-east England, valid from midnight Tuesday until midday and mentions 15 to 25mm of rain widely, with twice as much over higher ground such as the Chilterns.
Northern Ireland, valid Tuesday 02:00 until 21:00, for damaging winds, gusts in exposed parts up to 70mph (113km/h) accompanied by another 15 to 25mm of rain widely, 40 to 50mm over the hills.
Storm Chandra is hitting hot on the heels of Goretti and Ingrid, bringing more soaking rains with little time between for the water to flow away and the rivers fully recover.
This continuing rain really heightens the flood risk.
The wind will also be a threat, as strong winds from Goretti and Ingrid have already battered parts of the UK this month, notably in south-west England.
As a result, many structures may have been weakened, trees may have been left vulnerable as well as power lines. And the yellow warning for wind - From the Met Office0500 tomorrow till 1600 tomorrow
South to southwesterly winds, associated with Storm Chandra, will become very strong during Tuesday morning with peak gusts typically of 50-60 mph inland and 60-70 mph along exposed coasts. There is a small chance of gusts up to 80 mph for parts of the Isles of Scilly and Pembrokeshire. Winds should gradually ease later in the afternoon.
South West England
Cornwall
Devon
Isles of Scilly
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2026, 15:35:25 » |
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Thanks for your post, ChrisB. The BBC» have now improved their graphic in that article: [Image from here is not available to guests]Probably best to keep away from the south coast this evening, if you can. |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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grahame
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« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2026, 07:57:59 » |
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An interesting morning ... Alterations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Cancellations to services between Castle Cary and Taunton
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton
Cancellations to services between Salisbury and Romsey
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Alterations to services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Taunton
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Coffee Shop Admin, Chair of Melksham Transport User Group, West Wiltshire Rail User Group Committee and TravelWatch SouthWest Board Member
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