Snow and flooding shut down runways and obstruct railways.

The interplay between extreme weather events, particularly snow and flooding, has emerged as a critical concern for transport infrastructure, affecting both runways and railways. As climate change accelerates the frequency and intensity of such weather phenomena, the implications for transportation systems become increasingly severe. For instance, studies have shown that flooding can lead to significant disruptions in railway services; projections indicate that by 2100, certain railway lines could experience an increase in days with operational restrictions due to flooding by as much as 800–1200%. This alarming trend underscores the vulnerability of transport networks to environmental changes.

Snow and freezing rain have swept parts of the UK as amber weather warnings remain in place for northern England and Wales on Sunday.

Parts of the south saw snow on Saturday night, which has now turned back to rain - but heavy snow is set to continue further north.

It comes after most of the UK saw heavy snow or icy rainfall over a wintry weekend that had two larger amber weather warnings.

Manchester Airport closed its runways for 45 minutes this morning due to heavy snow and said departures and arrivals would experience delays

Commuters are being urged to check before they travel by train operators. 

National Rail said lines have been flooded near Derby and warned journeys may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Wales saw severe winds and flooding over the weekend, with homes left underwater and roads resembling rivers. Welsh first minister Eluned Morgan said the storm has been “absolutely devastating”.

At least five deaths have been confirmed across England and Wales since Storm Bert hit. A body was found on Sunday in the search for a 75-year-old man missing in the River Conwy, as four others died in fatal motor-related incidents.

Railroads are particularly susceptible to disruptions caused by snow and ice accumulation on tracks. According to Rossetti (2023), these conditions not only lead to closures but also heighten the risk of derailments. The safety concerns associated with these weather events necessitate increased maintenance efforts and investment in infrastructure resilience. Moreover, the economic repercussions of such disruptions extend beyond immediate operational costs; they can significantly impact supply chains reliant on timely deliveries . The just-in-time inventory model is especially vulnerable to these interruptions, highlighting a pressing need for adaptive strategies.

In conclusion, both snow and flooding present substantial challenges for transportation infrastructure. The increasing incidence of these extreme weather events demands urgent attention from policymakers and stakeholders within the transport sector. Proactive measures must be taken to enhance resilience against climate-related disruptions while ensuring continued efficiency in transport operations.

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Sarah H

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