Freezing rain and plunging temperatures caused treacherous traffic conditions as Storm Deirdre hit the British Isles on what should have been a major pre-Christmas shopping day. Forecasters have warned that freezing rain can pose risks to drivers and pedestrians as slippery black ice surfaces can form very quickly. The Met Office confirmed that the rare weather phenomenon had been reported at Leeds Bradford Airport on Saturday, with worsening conditions expected. Collisions and road closures have been reported by police forces across England after heavy snow, ice, strong winds and rain were forecast across Saturday and Sunday. Only London and the South East are not facing an alert, but are still due to receive some heavy rain.

Source: Daily Mail December 15, 2018 16:07 UTC