Flights canceled, life disrupted after heavy snowfall in UK, Germany

LONDON, U.K.: Several major airports were forced to suspend flights as heavy snow and freezing rain caused widespread disruption across Europe on January 5, particularly in the U.K. and Germany.

Bad weather in the U.K. has raised concerns that rural areas, especially in northern England, could be cut off. Up to 15 inches of snow have been reported above 985 feet.

The National Grid, which manages the country's electricity, said it was working to restore power. Power outages were reported in Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff.

Many sports events were postponed, but the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United is still scheduled after checks at Liverpool's Anfield stadium.

John Lennon Airport in Liverpool and Manchester Airport closed their runways but returned to normal on January 5. Leeds Bradford Airport took longer to resume flights.

Roads were severely affected, with many families traveling home after the holidays and students heading back to universities. Some roads were closed in advance, but accidents and stranded vehicles caused further delays.

Train services across the U.K. were disrupted, with National Rail warning that delays may continue into the workweek.

The Met Office predicted more sleet and snow moving north, especially in northern England and southern Scotland. Freezing rain in the south was expected to give way to milder weather. Flood warnings were issued for rivers Taw and Avon in southern England.

Winter weather is also causing problems in Germany. Authorities have warned of black ice and advised people to stay home.

Frankfurt Airport canceled 120 of the 1,090 scheduled flights, and Munich Airport had only one runway open while clearing the other.

In Baden-Wrttemberg, eight people were injured when a bus slid off the road near Hemmingen. Train services around Frankfurt also faced disruptions.