Monday 22 October 2012

London Fog!

Thick fog causes airport delays and cancellations - as forecasters warn of 'blood rain' at Halloween 

  • Fog descends on the parts of the country halting flights in London and Newcastle
  • Weather is predicted to be unusually warm this week before turning into a cold snap
  • Red rain expected to fall in time for Halloween

By EMMA CLARK 
While many might have admired the misty backdrop created by early-morning fog today, others have struggled with severe disruptions at airports across England and Europe caused by the dramatic weather.
Flights in London and Newcastle have been halted as pilots battle with viability problems and rail commuters face delays following signal problems on lines in England, Wales and Scotland.
London City Airport and Heathrow in west London reported delays to both incoming and departing flights, while Newcastle Airport was forced to cancel flights because of the weather.
Tower Bridge in London was shrouded in fog this morning as gloomy weather descended on the capital
Tower Bridge in London was shrouded in fog this morning as gloomy weather descended on the capital
A plane prepares to lands in fog at Heathrow Airport which was disrupted by delays this morning
A plane prepares to lands in fog at Heathrow Airport which was disrupted by delays this morning  
An Austrian Airlines Fokker 100 plane is grounded at the Chopin International Airport in Warsaw this morning because of the thick fog
An Austrian Airlines Fokker 100 plane is grounded at the Chopin International Airport in Warsaw this morning because of the thick fog
Heavy fog also delayed morning flights in Europe, including at Warsaw airports in Poland where many planes were redirected to neighbouring cities or were forced to wait for the fog to temporarily dissipate before landing, airport authorities said.
Famous skylines across the capital were totally obscured by the thick fog, but the weather is expected to warm up before a cold snap greets the country by the end of the week.
Continuing this year's pattern of wacky weather, it could also bring 'blood rain' to our shores - rain carrying red dust from the Sahara desert in time for Halloween.
London City said this morning: ‘Due to low visibility this morning, flights to and from London City Airport are experiencing disruptions.
‘Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for more information regarding their flight status.’
 
A Heathrow spokeswoman said: ‘We’re hoping that the visibility will improve soon.’
Rail passengers also faced a series of delays this morning after a string of broken-down trains and well as signalling problems.
These caused delays to Greater Anglia services into Liverpool Street station in London as well as hold-ups for First Capital Connect passengers between City Thameslink and Blackfriars stations in London.
The famous skyline of the Shard, Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral is obscured by thick fog, with only the lights of a HMS Belfast visible
The famous skyline of Tower Bridge is obscured by thick fog, with only the lights of a HMS Belfast visible
St Paul's Cathedral is just a shadow in the background as people make their way across Millennium Bridge
St Paul's Cathedral is just a shadow in the background as people make their way across Millennium Bridge
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben appeared faded in the misty fog this morning
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben appeared faded in the misty fog this morning