Eight inches of snow forecast for North
Feb 1 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal
SLEET, snow and strong winds caused problems for road and rail travellers in parts of the region yesterday – and worse is expected today.
Gusty winds of up to 75mph that started late on Wednesday continued throughout much of yesterday, and snow, sleet and hail showers added to the problems for commuters.
Yesterday’s wintry conditions are predicted to continue into the weekend with the Met Office issuing a severe weather warning.
A spokesman said the North-East faced heavy snow throughout today and tomorrow, with up to almost eight inches (20cm) a possibility in some higher areas.
He said: “Friday will see a little sunshine, but with frequent showers mainly of snow, which will be heavy and prolonged, giving several centimetres of snow in places. The snow will drift in what are likely to be strong and bitterly cold North-West winds, with a maximum temperature of 4C.”
Commuters between Hexham and Newcastle faced delays yesterday and had to use a replacement bus service to get to work after a tree was blown across the line at Wylam at about 5.15am.
Engineers from Network Rail worked alongside tree surgeons to clear the tree, although the line remained closed until early afternoon.
The A68 between the Riding Mill roundabout and Kiln Pit Hill was blocked by a fallen tree shortly before 5am yesterday and cleared an hour later.
A minor road between Bellingham and Kielder was blocked near Riverdale Hall Hotel early yesterday.
The winds also blew a corrugated iron roof from a building at Tyneside Timber, in Railway Street, Newcastle, shortly before 1pm.
Newcastle Airport did not have to cancel any flights, although a spokeswoman said the snow team had been put on standby.
She said: “Last week, the wind was a problem, but it hasn’t been so far today.
“The only weather-related issue we are monitoring is the snow and ice over the next 48 hours and our team are on standby.”
People planning to use the airport can visit www.newcastleairport.com or telephone 0871 882-1131 for information about flights.
Choppy seas also caused some minor delays to ferries using the Port of Tyne.
