Thursday, January 17, 2013

Panic buyers strip shelves after Met Office issues blizzard alert for Wales as Britain braces for blanket of up to 12in of snow to

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Shops were stripped of essential items yesterday as panic buyers stocked up in advance of a predicted 40 hours of snowfall.
Shelves were left bare as families snapped up bread, milk and other basics following forecasts of blizzards dumping up to a foot of snow.
The scramble began as fears spread about being snowed-in by the whiteout, which could cripple road and rail networks for days.
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Shoppers stripped the shelves in the Tesco store in Abedare in South Wales.
Shoppers stripped the shelves in the Tesco store in Abedare in South Wales. Customers have been stocking up on both milk and bread as the weather forecast predicts heavy snow and wintery conditions overnight and tomorrow
Bare cupboards: Customers aghast at the serious weather warning rushed to the supermarket to stock up on milk and bread
Bare cupboards: Customers aghast at the serious weather warning rushed to the supermarket to stock up on milk and bread


Supermarkets, believed to be in Aberdare and the Peak District, had their shelves stripped of supplies as panicking residents feared the predicted heavy snow
Supermarkets, believed to be in Aberdare and the Peak District, had their shelves stripped of supplies as panicking residents feared the predicted heavy snow
Supermarkets, believed to be in Aberdare and the Peak District, appeared to have their shelves stripped of supplies as residents feared the predicted heavy snow

In pictures believed to be taken today, shoppers stocked up on food as they fretted about the blizzards predicted to fall tomorrow
In pictures believed to be taken today, shoppers stocked up on food as they fretted about the blizzards predicted to fall tomorrow
In pictures believed to be taken yesterday, shoppers stocked up on food as they fretted about the blizzards predicted to fall today
There were frantic scenes at a Tesco store in Aberdare, South Wales, where hundreds of people turned up after the Met Office issued a rare red warning for the area, meaning travel should be attempted only if absolutely necessary.
Rhiannon Griffiths, 38, said: ‘It was a real scrum. People were grabbing loaves and milk and dashing to the tills. I managed to get two small loaves and some pitta breads – but that was all that was left.’
 

A member of staff at another supermarket in Newbury, Berkshire, described scenes that were ‘busier than just before Christmas’. ‘It’s almost a sort of mass hysteria,’ she said. ‘People are rushing in and blindly grabbing what they can see, frightened there will be nothing left.
‘The shelves are emptying as fast as we can fill them – they’re after bread, milk, dairy produce, fruit, vegetables and lots of people seem to be stocking up on the tinned stuff, like soup.’
Warning: Supermarkets had to display a stern warning that customers could only purchase two loaves of bread to stop people from filling their baskets
Warning: Supermarkets had to display a stern warning that customers could only purchase two loaves of bread to stop people from filling their baskets
Amber warnings – recommending caution and careful planning before venturing out – are in place for the Midlands, North West, South West, Yorkshire and Humber where up to ten inches (25cm) of snow could fall.
Snow was expected to begin to fall at around 3am in Wales, moving across the country to reach London by around 9am. Snow showers and sleet will continue until around 6pm on Saturday.
Most of the country can expect at least four inches (10cm) of snow. Only Cornwall and parts of Devon look likely to avoid it – but they will shiver under rain and sleet instead.
Those who do brave the outdoors today face daytime temperatures of 1C (34F), but it will feel as cold as -7C (19F) because of 30mph winds. Temperatures will drop to -5C (23F) tonight. Lighter snowfall is expected in most areas over the rest of the weekend but freezing temperatures mean much of what settles today could fail to clear.
The Met Office has, of course, got its predictions wrong before. Just last week, warnings of up to a foot of snow in a three-day period failed to materialise.
Preparations were being made last night for the gridlock expected to hit the transport network. Rail firms were bracing themselves for disruption. Some planned to run ‘ghost trains’ through the night to keep tracks clear ahead of today’s predicted commuter chaos.
Trucks were out last night spreading some of the record stockpile of grit councils have amassed ready for a big freeze. Steve Crosthwaite, head of the agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre, urged drivers to allow more time for travel. Breakdown services were expecting patrols to be stretched to the limit, with at least 30,000 calls from stranded motorists anticipated.
Airports warned passengers to contact their carrier before leaving home to check whether flights had been delayed or cancelled. Heathrow said 130 snow clearing vehicles and 500 workers were at the ready to ensure runways are clear.
Schools and nurseries are expected to shut their gates, adding to the disruption for families. Forecaster Sean Penston, of MeteoGroup, warned venturing outside would be ‘treacherous’. ‘There will be a lot of disruption to travel. Roads will be gritted but this will be covered by further snowfall,’ he said.
The cold weather has already claimed the life of a pensioner this week as he cleared his driveway of snow. Graham Clark, 73, is thought to have suffered serious head injuries after slipping on ice in Buxhall, near Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Ice dream: A charming view of Great Casterton Church in Rutland after temperatures plummeted overnight around the UK
Ice dream: A charming view of Great Casterton Church in Rutland after temperatures plummeted overnight around the UK
Snowballs: Golfers head out for an early morning round at a frozen Cray Valley Golf Club in Orpington, Kent
Snowballs: Golfers head out for an early morning round at a frozen Cray Valley Golf Club in Orpington, Kent yesterday
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Code red: The Met Office has issued its most serious warning for snow tomorrow, concentrated in Wales and the West Midlands
Code red: The Met Office has issued its most serious warning for snow today, concentrated in Wales and the West Midlands

'GHOST TRAINS' RUNNING THROUGH THE NIGHT TO CLEAR TRACKS

Rail bosses are running ‘ghost trains’ through the night in a bid to keep tracks clear of snow  ahead of today’s predicted commuter chaos.
First Capital Connect is to run the empty trains along lines at risk of snow or ice to keep them clear for the morning rush hour.
It comes as rail companies across the UK warn of widespread disruption, delays and cancellations caused by the predicted snow and ice.
A spokesman for First Capital Connect said: ‘Ghost trains’ will be running empty through the night to keep the tracks as clear of snow as possible on the Great Northern route out of Peterborough, Cambridge and King's Lynn and on the Wimbledon and Sutton loop south of London.’
It said  trains already run throughout the night in service on the Bedford route.
The rail company will also be linking two trains together during service hours, so that if one fails the other can keep it moving.
It also plans more control room staff to help manage any disruption,  and to put  spread de-icer and clear snow at stations and car-parks.
David Rogers, of the Local Government Association, warned elderly people were particularly at risk from the cold.
He said: ‘Highways staff and street-cleaners are being drafted in to help deliver hot meals, collect prescriptions and help carry out basic maintenance.
‘But council staff can’t be everywhere. We need residents to work with us, be our eyes and ears and help us get the support to where it’s most needed.’
Shops in the South Wales valleys said there had been a sudden rush on bread, milk and other essentials.
BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said: 'We can expect blizzards on the mountains and on higher ground.
'This could be the worst snow to hit Wales in some years with severe disruption likely.
'A red warning from the Met office is rare and means take action.'
A photo taken yesterday, believed to be from a store in north Worcestershire, showed that one supermarket had to tape a notice to its empty shelves warning customers they were limited to how many loaves they could buy.
Three mountain roads in the Valleys were shut to traffic in preparation for severe driving conditions.
A spokeswoman for Rhondda Cynnon Taff council said: 'This snow is expected to be particularly severe between 3am and 9am and is likely to lead to widespread accumulations of four inches with six to eight inches over higher ground.'
Widespread disruption to travel and other services is likely, with drivers and transport users advised to avoid dangerous areas and have back-up plans.
There were four accidents on the roads in Dover yesterday morning and many more across the country, while firefighters have attended two serious fires this week caused by people trying to stay warm.
Two people were stranded when their van edged into a flood-swollen ford in Bucklebury and a schoolboy is recovering after he was buried up to his chest in a huge mound of freezing mud at Tilgate Forest Golf Centre in Sussex.
The heaviest snowfall of the winter will spread east after morning rush-hour tomorrow, while Cornwall, far West Wales and Northern Ireland are likely to face driving rain instead.
Drama: The accident is one of many to happen on the roads this morning, with the Highways Agency warning motorists to take extra care
Lucky escape: A car slides off the A482 in icy conditions near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, narrowly avoiding crashing down a steep embankment
snow plow
At the ready: Snow ploughs and gritters are parked at Terminal 1 Manchester Airport in preparation for the expected snow storms forecast tomorrow
Keeping Britain moving: A gritter and snow plough tends to the A4067 between Brecon and Swansea
Keeping Britain moving: A gritter and snow plough tends to the A4067 between Brecon and Swansea
Missiles: Impatient motorists have been throwing rocks at gritting lorries in Northamptonshire because they are going too slow
Missiles: Impatient motorists have been throwing rocks at gritting lorries in Northamptonshire because they are going too slow
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London is expected to endure around 12 hours of continuous snow from around 10am this morning - but the Met Office has advised that it will be heaviest in the first few hours, before fading to some gentle flurries.
Met Office spokesman Charlie Powell said: 'The west of London is likely to see between three and six centimeters of snow, while the east will see between two to five centimeters of snow settling in.
'There will be about twelve hours of continuous snow, but by Saturday morning that will have weakened and there should be only the odd flurry of snow.'
MeteoGroup weather forecasters released a map showing tomorrow's snowfall depths across the country, warning that it will feel even colder than it is because of driving winds tearing across the UK.
Laura Caldwell, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, said 4-6in (10-15cm) is predicted to fall quite widely with as much as 10in (25cm) set to cover the hills.
'Parts of the West Country, Wales, the West Midlands and central and southern England are going to get quite a bit of snow tomorrow,' she added.
'There will be quite a few centimetres in the morning with up to 10cm falling through the day.
'That snow will carry on, pushing north and east so it will cover all of England by the end of the day and even parts of southern Scotland.'
Wales and the Midlands are expected to see the worst of the snow, while London and East Anglia are likely see accumulations of around 4in (10cm).
Ms Caldwell added: 'It's going to inevitably cause disruption on the roads and railways. It's going to be a bit of a messy day for travel.'
It will struggle to get above zero in central and east England, hitting -6C today and Saturday night. Forecasts suggest daytime temperatures will struggle to get above freezing in many areas, with the wind chill making it feel even colder.
The showers are expected to ease off later in the day, remaining largely in eastern areas, but it is likely to stay very cold over the weekend, with widespread flurries of snow in parts.
The progress of the wintry weather can be tracked on MeteoGroup’s RainToday website, which displays live radar imagery for the UK.
In Dover, Kent, four accidents were reported on the A258 within the space of three hours yesterday, prompting police to urge motorists to take extra care as temperatures fall.
The first crash happened when a van toppled on to its side just after 6am, but the driver escaped serious injury.
Less than an hour later, a collision occurred between a Vauxhall and a bus. No injuries were reported.


Hay there! Fierce gusts of wind whip the snow around these horses on the Brecon Beacons as they try to grab some food
Hay there! Fierce gusts of wind whip the snow around these horses on the Brecon Beacons as they try to grab some food
Powdery: The magnificent creatures stand firm despite the sub-zero temperatures and snowy showers in the Welsh beauty spot
Powdery: The magnificent creatures stand firm despite the sub-zero temperatures and snowy showers in the Welsh beauty spot
Baaad weather: Woolly sheep blend into the pretty scenery on the Brecon Beacons as they continue foraging for food
Baaad weather: Woolly sheep blend into the pretty scenery on the Brecon Beacons as they continue foraging for food
Rock 'n' roll: A walker admires the partially frozen waterfalls at Three Shires Head on Axe Edge Moor
Rock 'n' roll: A walker admires the partially frozen waterfalls at Three Shires Head on Axe Edge Moor
Wild: The ancient Peak District river crossings mark the point where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet and are expected to be inaccessible tomorrow
Wild: The ancient Peak District river crossings mark the point where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet and are expected to be inaccessible tomorrow
While officers were dealing with both incidents they discovered a car in a ditch, and later, on another stretch of the same road, a van crashed into a traffic sign at 7.40am.
The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert and has placed a 500-strong fleet of ploughs and snow blowers on stand-by.
Steve Crosthwaite, head of the agency's National Traffic Operations Centre, urged drivers to allow more time for morning travel.
'During periods of severe weather we also suggest people consider whether their journey is essential,' he said. 'They may want to delay their travel until conditions improve and to allow our winter fleet the chance to treat the roads.'
Breakdown services are bracing themselves for their busiest day ever with 30,000 callouts to stranded drivers predicted.
Risk: An aeroplane approaches Gatwick Airport surrounded by a blanket of fog, which caused cancellations and severe delays at London City Airport yesterday
Risk: An aeroplane approaches Gatwick Airport surrounded by a blanket of fog, which caused cancellations and severe delays at London City Airport yesterday
Gloomy: A dark, wintry sky over a picture postcard scene on the Brecon Beacons near Cray
Gloomy: A dark, wintry sky over a picture postcard scene on the Brecon Beacons near Cray
Accidents: A roadsign is barely visible in near Cray, West Wales, with the AA working at full capacity in the bad weather
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Motoring organisations are predicting a 'nightmare' day on the roads.
The AA responded to 17,500 callouts on Wednesday while the RAC received 10,000 calls for help, a 35 per cent increase on what it would normally expect at this time of year. About 75 per cent of those calls were from stricken motorists in East Anglia.
The AA will have 3,000 breakdown vehicles on patrol today with the service stretched to its maximum capacity.
A fleet of 40 4x4 RAC vehicles are set to be redeployed to the most at risk areas, including the Midlands and Wales.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: 'This is as busy as it gets. We're urging people not to travel on Friday. If they can work from home that is definitely the best option.
Brave: A jogger feels the freeze on the banks of the River Cam in Cambridge today after sub-zero temperatures caused a hoar frost
Brave: A jogger feels the freeze on the banks of the River Cam in Cambridge today after sub-zero temperatures caused a hoar frost

Warming up: Rowers wrapped up in winter woollies on the cold water in Cambridge today as Britain braces itself for a weekend of snow and blizzards and bitterly cold gusts
Warming up: Rowers wrapped up in winter woollies on the cold water in Cambridge today as Britain braces itself for a weekend of snow and blizzards and bitterly cold gusts

Silver branches: Leafless trees glitter in the sunlight beside the River Cam, creating a magical sight for the runners and cyclists venturing out this morning
Silver branches: Leafless trees glitter in the sunlight beside the River Cam, creating a magical sight for the runners and cyclists venturing out this morning
Queen Victoria Memorial is illuminated by the morning light while people walk in St. James' Park in London
The famous Backs in the historic city of Cambridge looked like a winter wonderland this morning as the glistening hoar frost clung to leaves, trees and hedges
Crisp: Shivering walkers pass the Queen Victoria Memorial in St James' Park, left, while rowers pass The Backs in picturesque Cambridge
Majestic: Buckingham Palace is illuminated by the morning light, as seen from St. James' Park in London on a bright but bitterly cold morning
Majestic: Buckingham Palace is illuminated by the morning light, as seen from St. James' Park in London on a bright but bitterly cold morning
Droplets: Puddles splashed over The Wash in Billericay, Essex, form icicles on the barriers at the side after -7C temperatures overnight
Droplets: Puddles splashed over The Wash in Billericay, Essex, form icicles on the barriers at the side after -7C temperatures overnight

Crystal clear: The small ford was impassable during the floods, but is now back to its normal level after the cold but drier weather
Crystal clear: The small ford was impassable during the floods, but is now back to its normal level after the cold but drier weather

THINK THIS IS BAD? MAKE A TOAST TO THE FROZEN FAMILIES OF 1963

The latest cold snap may leave Britons shivering in their snow boots but it has nothing on the chill of 1963.
That year, the UK had one of its worst winters in living memory.
The snow started on Boxing Day 1962 and the Big Freeze lasted until March.

Lakes and rivers froze across the country amid biting temperatures and there were even patches of ice on the sea. Huge ice boulders formed on beaches and blizzards caused snowdrifts up to 20ft (6m) deep.
Thousands of schools closed in Arctic conditions, telephone lines came down and power cuts hit thousands of homes.
Temperatures dropped to -22.2C (-8F) on January 18 in Braemar, Aberdeenshire.
MeteoGroup's Stephen Davenport said: 'This winter doesn't hold a candle to 1963. January that year was the coldest month since 1814. There was snow everywhere and strong winds from the north and east. It was unremittingly cold.
'Most of England and Wales had a blanket of snow right through the month.'
In February, a huge snowstorm struck Northern Ireland, south west England and Wales, leading to an 'outstanding amount of snow' falling in Tredegar in Monmouthshire - nearly 5ft (1.5m).

'We had 10,000 callouts on Wednesday, which is 2,500 more than a normal winter's Wednesday.
'Lots of people were having problems with frozen locks, frozen brakes, frozen windows, battery problems and burnt clutches.
'Even though we are expecting a lot of people to avoid travelling on Friday we predict we will have at least 10,000 callouts.
'We are working flat out at the moment, but this is the calm before the snow storm.
'It is going to be challenging for us to get around to everybody who needs our help.
'The RAC is working at its maximum capability with its number of patrols and we will have every possible patrol we are able to out on the roads on Friday.
'If people are going to travel they need to be well prepared. That means packing food and drink, a shovel, warm clothing and making sure their mobile phones are fully charged in case they break down.
'An old piece of carpet can also be useful in the event you get stuck in the snow. It can give you some traction.'
Gavin Hill-Smith, an AA spokesman, said: 'It is going to be a very busy day. It's not just the snow. Cars struggle to function in these cold temperatures.
'We've had a spate of accidents with people driving too close to each other or going to fast for the icy conditions.
'We have a lot of snow coming in from the early hours tomorrow and it will have a big impact on the morning rush hour.
'If you are in an area that is going to be badly affected our advice is not to venture out unless it is absolutely essential. Even short journeys can turn into hazardous, marathon efforts.'
At Heathrow Airport 130 snow clearing vehicles will be out in force along with over 500 workers to ensure the runways are clear and delays are kept to a minimum.
Jan Singleton, a Heathrow spokeswoman, said: 'The latest forecast is for snowfall at Heathrow through most of Friday. Passengers should allow extra time for their journeys and check with their airline before travelling to the airport.'
If 10cm of snow falls on the airport then it will weigh 60,000 tonnes and will need 4,000 lorry loads to clear.
Since winter 2010, the airport has spent £36million pounds on its winter resilience programme.
Councillor Peter Box, chairman of the Local Government Association's economy and transport board, said local councils were fully prepared for the cold weather over the coming days.
He said: 'There's hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt in council depots. They've got new GPS-tracked gritters which use salt more effectively, the latest technology in snow ploughs and special quad-bikes and 4x4s to grit narrow and hilly roads.

'They will be receiving up-to-the minute reports from weather experts and their gritting teams are on standby around-the-clock.
'Highways, street-cleaning and park staff will also be drafted in to help clear snow and ice around places like shops, schools and sheltered accommodation.
Furry funny: Callum and James Tweedie from Elton-On-The-Hill, Nottinghamshire, enjoy sledging in the snow in their warmest clothes
Furry funny: Callum and James Tweedie from Elton-On-The-Hill, Nottinghamshire, enjoy sledging in the snow in their warmest clothes
Swansea University student Lucas Smith, 21, enjoys sledging with his friends on Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Friends enjoy sledging on Brecon Beacons, South Wales, where snow is settling and even more has been forecast
Never too old: Swansea University student Lucas Smith (left), 21, sledges with friends on Brecon Beacons, South Wales, in the settling snow
'Keeping the country moving is a community effort. Councils will be treating as many roads as they can and have also installed and filled thousands of extra grit bins for people living in side streets, villages and housing estates.'
South West Trains said it would be operating a revised timetable on a number of routes today. These include London to Bournemouth and Weymouth, London to Salisbury and Portsmouth and London to Reading.
East Coast train company advised passengers to check before travelling today. The company is lifting ticket restrictions for all journeys on its trains which arrive in, or depart from, King's Cross station in London after 10am today.
East Coast advised passengers wherever possible to travel before 6pm today, as heavier snowfalls were predicted after that time.
The Southeastern train company also advised passengers to make checks before setting out.
A beautiful winter scene across Teesdale, County Durham this morning
Tilly, a two-year-old Jack Russell, jumps for a snowball in fields near Eye, Suffolk, today
Stunning: Icicles extend their fingers downwards in Teesdale today, while Tilly, a two-year-old Jack Russell, jumps for a snowball in fields near Eye, Suffolk
Black and white: A beautiful winter scene across Teesdale, County Durham this morning, where bare trees and drystone wall cut through the snowy landscape
Black and white: A beautiful winter scene across Teesdale, County Durham this morning, where bare trees and drystone wall cut through the snowy landscape

Cool and calm: A lone farmhouse stands in the middle of a quiet wintry scene in Durham, with no animals or crops to be seen
Cool and calm: A lone farmhouse stands in the middle of a quiet wintry scene in Durham, with no animals or crops to be seen
A Southeastern spokesman said: 'Given the weather forecast, there may be disruption on some routes through the day.'
British Gas said it was expecting a 'huge spike of activity' for its home service engineers this weekend, predicting they would attend around 20,000 call-outs.
Matthew Bateman, managing director of the firm's home services branch, said: 'With the recent mild weather, it's easy to understand why people may have thought winter was behind them, but over the weekend we've had calls from a huge number of customers experiencing problems with their heating or hot water.'
Graham Clark was found with serious head injuries in the narrow country lane beside his cottage in Buxhall near Stowmarket, Suffolk, on Tuesday.
Neigh-sayer: This pony looks a little unhappy, despite being draped in a huge coat to ward off the chilly weather
Neigh-sayer: This pony looks a little unhappy, despite being draped in a huge coat to ward off the chilly weather
Officers at first thought he might have been killed in a hit-and-run but are now looking at the 'possibility' he fell over while clearing snow.
His body was found at 3.40pm on Tuesday by a passer-by who dialled 999 for police and an ambulance. Mr Clark was treated by paramedics, but died at the scene.
The pensioner, who lived alone with his dogs, was described as a 'caring man' by villagers.
Neighbour David Green said: 'He had a heart of gold and was loved by his neighbours.

'I heard sirens and blue flashing lights. We went out and heard them again and again. There was a huge number of police.'

Neighbour Sally Thomas described Mr Clark as a 'dear chap' and 'a lovely bloke'.
Winging it: Birds land on a frozen lake covered in chunks of ice in Herrington Country Park near Sunderland today
Winging it: Birds land on a frozen lake covered in chunks of ice in Herrington Country Park near Sunderland today

Follow my lead: A couple add to the criss-crossing trails of footprints as they walk their dog in Herrington Country Park
Follow my lead: A couple add to the criss-crossing trails of footprints as they walk their dog in Herrington Country Park
Festive feel: Sunderland was covered in snow and ice today - but tonight's band of snow starts in the south-west
Festive feel: Sunderland was covered in snow and ice today - but tonight's band of snow starts in the south-west
We love snow! A woman takes a pair of very excited dogs for a walk through deep drifts near Flash in Staffordshire today
We love snow! A woman takes a pair of very excited dogs for a walk through deep drifts near Flash in Staffordshire today

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: 'An investigation is still being carried out. One possibility is that he was clearing his driveway of snow and then hit his head, but all possibilities are being investigated.'

Police are appealing for witnesses.
Elsewhere, a Bangladeshi woman on her first day in Huddersfield had a narrow escape when she fell through ice into the freezing canal yesterday.
It was only prompt action by bystanders at Aspley Basin which prevented a tragedy in the icy waters.
Ulfat Jabin Chowdhury, 38, had just travelled for 20 hours from her home town of Dhaka, where she works as a teacher.
Carrying a suitcase and rucksack, she was tired and disorientated when she stepped on to thin ice and plunged into the canal next to Aspley's Premier Inn.
On track: A warmly dressed rambler with a stick and a big dog crosses a railway line in Peterborough
On track: A warmly dressed rambler with a stick and a big dog crosses a railway line in Peterborough
A view of Leith Tower with snow on the ground in Surrey
A hard overnight frost has created a beautiful scene as a lady walks her dog beside the River Nene in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Winter wonderland: Leith Tower rises out of the white ground in Surrey, left, while a woman walks her dog beside the River Nene in frosty Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Artwork: Clouds scud across a frosty field near Leith Hill in Surrey this morning, as the cold snap creates marvellous vistas across the UK
Artwork: Clouds scud across a frosty field near Leith Hill in Surrey this morning, as the cold snap creates marvellous vistas across the UK
The mother of three had arrived in Huddersfield on Wednesday morning to start an MA in education and had been intending to find a room at the hotel.
Mrs Chowdhury said: 'I was really exhausted and had heavy luggage and nowhere to stay, and this caused the accident.
Andrew Parry-Brown, 49, was working near his 57-ft wide beam canal boat Miss Behavin when he heard her frantic cries for help.
He ran around the corner to find the woman chest-deep in a hole in the ice, her handbag and heavy rucksack filling with water.
He said: 'I heard a load of shouting. I managed to get hold of her from the bank. Her rucksack was big and heavy and I didn't want it to drag her under the ice, she was only small. I talked calmly and got her rucksack and handbag. A man came from the car park and helped me pull the lady out.
'I was just in the right place at the right time. Altogether it only took three or four minutes, but that was long enough in the icy water.'
The woman was wrapped in a blanket and given dry clothes. Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene.
Mrs Chowdhury added: 'I would like to thank everybody. I am physically and mentally fit and am quite OK. It is great to feel that the British people are ready to help when someone is in danger.'
London Fire Brigade urged caution during the 'Arctic blast'.
Its warning follows two serious fires this week caused by householders taking extreme measures to keep warm.
On Wednesday, fire crews were called to rescue an elderly man from a serious blaze in Wembley, north London, which is believed to have been caused by a halogen heater being placed too close to flammable items.
Last week, firefighters battled flames in Fulham, west London, after an electric blanket was left on for the weekend.
Meanwhile, impatient motorists have been pelting ice gritting trucks with rocks in Northamptonshire because they are too slow.
Drivers have been causing even more problems in the wintry conditions by overtaking the trucks.
Northamptonshire Council revealed that disgruntled drivers have been pulling over to throw stones and bricks at its vehicles.
A spokesman for Northamptonshire Highways said there had been numerous incidents of drivers coming under attack while spreading grit across the county.
Splinters: The sun rises over Hucknall, Nottingham this morning, shining through frosted plants after temperatures dropped to -9 overnight
Splinters: The sun rises over Hucknall, Nottingham yesterday morning, shining through frosted plants after temperatures dropped to -9 overnight

The calm before the storm: Two walkers take in a charming sunrise over Roundhay Park in Leeds, after temperatures dropped to -4C
The calm before the storm: Two walkers take in a charming sunrise over Roundhay Park in Leeds yesterday, after temperatures dropped to -4C
He said: 'Unfortunately, some of our drivers have had stones and bricks thrown at them.
'Our drivers are out two to three times day, trying to keep the county's roads safe.
'People have been getting impatient and started to throw things at the vehicles. We have also had people overtaking the vehicles, even though our gritters have been going at a decent speed - making it dangerous for everyone.
'We have 27 drivers on the county's roads, working around the clock and we just want people to respect that and be patient.
'When we have damage to a vehicle, like a broken window, it has to come off-road, meaning delays to the work we are trying to do.'
Motorists across Northamptonshire gave mixed opinions on the gritters.
Administrator Sandy Benville, 25, from Daventry, Northants., said: 'They are trying to make the roads safer for everyone. People moan when the gritters haven't been out but when they are - people get so impatient. It's pathetic.'
Iron man: Only one walker and his dog braved the chilly early morning - and they were made of metal!
Iron man: Only one walker and his dog braved the chilly early morning - and they were made of metal!

Time for reflection: The pink sunrise bounces off shards of ice in Nottingham as forecasters warn that the worst is yet to come
Time for reflection: The soft pink sunrise bounces off shards of ice in Nottingham as forecasters warn that the worst is yet to come
Not very family friendly: Parents in Nottingham and across the country have been warned to check schools are open and to avoid setting out on weekend trips
Not very family friendly: Parents in Nottingham and across the country have been warned to check schools are open and to avoid setting out on weekend trips
Alive: The first signs of light create brilliant streaks of colour over -2C Abington Park, with a wisp of smoke and shining headlights indicating that households are waking up
Alive: The first signs of light create brilliant streaks of colour over -2C Abington Park yesterday
Historical drama: Birds land on a frozen lake in front of Castle Howard, the stately home made famous in Brideshead Revisited
Historical drama: Birds land on a frozen lake in front of Castle Howard, the stately home made famous in Brideshead Revisited
But mechanic Karl Newman, 19, from Northampton, added: 'They are such a pain. They scratch the paintwork on my car and they drive so slow. They should go out in the middle of the night when nobody is around.'
Temperatures have dipped well below freezing in the low-lying Fens of East Anglia, but skaters are being warned not to take to the ice.
Despite the sub-zero weather, ice on the lakes and ponds still isn't thick enough to skate on, Fenland Ice Skating said.
The group said 'If the frosty weather continues for a few days, there may be a chance to skate.
'Danger on Welney Wash and other Fenland venues will be high due to deeper water than usual making it visually difficult to establish where shallow fields end, and rivers and ditches start.'
Duck tails: This cute pair hold each other up with their beaks as they slide across an icy pond in East London this morning
Duck tails: This cute pair hold each other up with their beaks as they slide across an icy pond in East London yesterday morning
Belly flop: Another duck struggles on the half-frozen pond under the winter sun
Belly flop: Another duck struggles on the half-frozen pond under the winter sun
Bug's life: The frozen spider was spotted battling its way back to its web by photographer Mark Johnson as he walked his dog yesterday afternoon
Icy insect: A Harvester spider gets cold feet in Watts Wood, Lincs, as his legs frost over in the severe wintery conditions
Icy insect: A Harvester spider gets cold feet in Watts Wood, Lincs, as his legs frost over in the severe wintery conditions
Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said: 'It will be pretty chilly on Thursday night with the coldest places seeing temperatures of -3C.

'The UK will struggle to get above 0C in the East. Elsewhere is a bit milder at 2C.'
He said snow is expected to cause major disruption for commuters and people hoping to get away for the weekend.
Met Office forecaster Robin Thwaytes said 'Nationwide snow is a very rare event and this is a very serious situation.
'Red warnings are very rare and mobilise the Government to call in extra help from the Army if needed.
'The Cabinet Office is making the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister aware of the situation, liaising with the Welsh Assembly and deciding what action needs to be taken.
'The heaviest snow will fall for three to six hours, affecting the West on Friday morning and the East - including London - and North in the afternoon. Snow showers will follow.
'The public should be aware of the risk of significant travel disruption and we advise people to seriously consider whether they need to travel.
'By 9am on Saturday, all of Wales, eastern Scotland and everywhere in England bar Cornwall will have seen snow.'
The Met Office said there will be 'widespread snow' next week, with colder-than-usual conditions 'favoured' until February 15, with snow likely to be 'more frequent.'



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