Snowfall hits UK, German flights

Heavy snow and freezing rain has brought widespread disruption across the UK, with major airports forced to suspend flights and many key roads in the north of England unnavigable.

Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin-Brandenburg airports were hit too.

Snow, black ice and poor visibility forced the cancellation of 120 of some 1,990 flights in Frankfurt, 35 of 750 in Munich and 30 at Berlin-Brandenburg airport.

With UK weather staying inclement yesterday, there are concerns many rural communities could be cut off with up to 40 centimeters of snow on ground above 300 meters.

The National Grid was working to restore power after power cuts in Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff.

Liverpool and Manchester airports had to close runways and divert flights. Birmingham Airport also suspended operations for several hours overnight on Saturday.

Roads were heavily impacted too on what would have been a very busy day with many families and students returning from the holiday break.

Many rail services were canceled with National Rail warning of disruptions continuing into the working week.

REUTERS