We are closing this blog now. Stay dry, stay safe and have a happy new year!
A three-day heavy snow warning has been issued by the Met Office as thousands of households mopped up after torrential new year rain led to flooded properties, travel chaos and power cuts.
Temperatures could plunge to well below freezing at the weekend with up to a foot of snow across England, Scotland and Wales – leading to rural areas being cut off, schools closures and road, rail and flight problems, forecasters said.
The warning was issued on what was a miserable start to 2025 for many parts of the UK, including Greater Manchester, where a major incident was declared at noon because of flooding caused by a dramatic overnight downpour…
Bristol City Council and St Mungo’s charity are providing emergency support to rough sleepers due to the severe weather.
In a post on X, the council said it has activated its “severe weather emergency protocol” which will see more outreach shifts, where rough sleepers are identified and linked up with accommodation.
According to the UK Security Agency Cold weather periods often increase the number of homeless deaths. “People sleeping rough are at greater risk from cold weather than others. Sleeping rough increases the risk of cold-related illness and death.”
Greater Manchester has been impacted by the most severe bouts of flooding on New Year’s Day, and a cold snap is forecast for the weekend.
A spokesperson from Manchester City Council says help will be available but “there’s nothing above and beyond what we always do. There is always support in place all year round regardless. There is a support service stepped up, but there is nothing above and beyond.”
On the council’s website, Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:
“We work year-round to help people off the streets, giving them access to the support they need to help them get on with their lives.
However, as it gets colder, people are more likely to accept help and come inside. This is why we expand our outreach offer and our officers, along with partner agencies, work into the early hours seeking out people who have bedded down so that we can offer them the opportunity to come indoors and access additional support.
This is especially important as sometimes coming inside in cold weather is the impetus that they need to accept help that we, along with our partners, can provide. It is often the first step on the road to a better, healthier future.”
