Storm Darcy: Train cancellations, power cuts and Covid vaccine delays as UK hit by snow

7 February 2021, 09:50 | Updated: 7 February 2021, 23:54

Heavy snow has caused disruption across the UK as Storm Darcy hits
Heavy snow has caused disruption across the UK as Storm Darcy hits. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

Trains cancellations, power cuts and Covid-19 vaccine delays have hit parts of the UK as Storm Darcy brings heavy snow and bitterly cold winds.

It is "bitterly cold" as strong easterly winds from Ukraine and the Black Sea area are spilling across the UK on Sunday, the Met Office said.

The winds made it feel like there were sub-zero temperatures across the country on Sunday, while many places on Monday will struggle to get much above freezing.

The east plus London and the south-east of England are covered by amber warnings of snow through to Monday lunchtime, which predict possible widespread travel disruption and power cuts.

Various warnings for snow and ice across eastern areas of England and Scotland are in place until Wednesday.

The Met Office said Sunday started "on a wintry note in some areas, with rain turning increasingly to snow across the south-east of the UK, and snow showers feeding into the north-east."

South east England blanketed by snow as Storm Darcy hits

The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said its Colchester-based vaccination centre at the Jobserve Community Stadium was closed due to the snow, while Southeastern Rail strongly advised passengers not to attempt to travel on its network on Sunday or Monday.

It said the Maidstone East line will be closed on Monday and added: "Given the severity of the forecast some routes are closed with no replacement transport available."

Southern Railway said it had also cancelled trains on two of its routes.

Heavy snow blanketed Canterbury, Kent
Heavy snow blanketed Canterbury, Kent. Picture: @parkyc68
The south east saw heavy snow overnight, including in Canterbury
The south east saw heavy snow overnight, including in Canterbury. Picture: @parkyc68

Large parts of Edinburgh were plunged into darkness on Sunday night after the extreme weather hit Scotland's east coast.

SP Energy Networks said it was aware of a power cut in Edinburgh and the Lothians and that engineers were working to restore supplies.

People in Edinburgh took to social media to discuss the city in darkness on Sunday evening, including crime writer Ian Rankin, who jokingly said that he spent most of the outage trying to find his torch.

The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) said it was aware of the power cut and is working closely with SP Energy Networks to investigate further.

Thousands in Edinburgh were hit by power cuts on Sunday
Thousands in Edinburgh were hit by power cuts on Sunday. Picture: Julia Bouvy/PA Images

Glasgow City Council said it had sent its gritters on Saturday evening to outlying priority routes and areas around vaccine centres in light of the "chilly" time ahead.

Many parts of Scotland and north-east England could see 2cm to 5cm of snow, with 10cm to 15cm possible in regions above 200m.

Roads may become blocked by deep snow, with the possibility of stranded vehicles and passengers.

In Durham, huge waves crashed into Seaham lighthouse as the storm sent artic conditions from the east.

Huge waves crashed over Seaham lighthouse in Durham
Huge waves crashed over Seaham lighthouse in Durham. Picture: PA Images

Storm Darcy: Snowy weather hits the UK

Daytime temperatures will stay in low single figures for much of the country, with some places staying below freezing and the bitter winds making it feel even colder.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a cold weather alert for the whole of England through to Wednesday and urged people to check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses.

Dr Owen Landeg, of PHE, said: "Cold weather isn't just uncomfortable, it can have a serious impact on health.

"For older people and those with heart and lung problems, it can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A poll of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the UK suggests around one in six (17%) parents rated the toilets at their child’s school as unclean.

'Like a horror movie': One in 10 parents say children avoid school over 'filthy' toilets

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years