London: Heavy snow forced Heathrow airport to close both its runways on Monday as extreme weather conditions brought major air, rail and road transport systems to a halt, affecting millions. Here are details of the disruption: - Essex, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex saw the heaviest snowfall with between 10 to 20 centimetres, the Met Office said.
Bus services, carrying 6 million commuters in the London area, were suspended. - On the London underground only the Victoria Line was reported operating normally.
The Circle and Hammersmith and City lines were closed and services were suspended on sections of the Bakerloo, Piccadilly, Central, District, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. - London's Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also experienced severe delays.
Rail travel was hit throughout southern England, particularly affecting services on First Capital Connect, First Great Western, Southeastern, and South West Trains.
On the roads the Highways Agency advised people not to travel unless their journey was essential. Around 600 patrols and 500 gritters were on the motorways to help drivers struggling in the snow.
The M25, London's busiest road, was closed in Surrey due to the heavy snowfall and severe congestions was reported in Essex. Heathrow Airport cancelled 250 flights and shut one of its two runways, but said were they were due to reopen during the morning.
Airport operator BAA warned passengers travelling by road and rail to and from Heathrow and Stansted airports to expect significant delays and cancellations. - Gatwick Airport to the south of London was open after earlier cancelling 20 flights. Passengers were advised to allow extra time for travel and check-in.
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