Roads, airports and school were forced to close, buses and underground train services suspended, extreme weather warnings issued as the record-breaking snow hit much of Britain early Monday.
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Passengers on London buses abandon their bus ride home in West London as the buses stop in the snow in London Feb. 1, 2009.[Xinhuanet.com] |
It is believed to be the worst-ever snowfall in southeastern England since 1991, leading to service suspension of London buses and closure of Heathrow runways.
Road and rail travels were also badly affected by the snow that is up to 15 cm.
A young man who managed to get to the Parliament Square said "this is the biggest snow I have ever seen in London and I would like to sit here enjoy the fairyland scenery in my snow sofa."
The Met Office has issued an extreme weather warning for England, Wales and parts of eastern Scotland. More snow is expected.
Thousands of school children across England were surprisingly happy to have snow fight instead of their travel to school as their schools were closed for the day.
Some early birds trying to make their way to work had to walk all their way to offices as all the bus services have been suspended and most of the tube stations closed.
London City and Luton airports were closed, and a runway at Southampton airport has also been shut. But Norwich airport has now been reopened.
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People throw snowballs at each other in Parliament Square after snowfall in London Feb. 1, 2009. [Xinhuanet.com] |
Heathrow Airport has had to shut both runways and said it would take about two hours to reopen.
The Highways Agency said there have been many minor accidents on the roads.
(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2009)