British residents experienced an intense cold snap this past weekend as gales and blizzards battered the U.K., causing dangerous conditions for drivers and travelers alike. Areas across northern England and north Wales were the worst-hit, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph and snow accumulations of up to 30 centimeters. This storm, dubbed Storm Larisa by meteorologists, has caused extensive disruptions to traffic, schools, and air travel.

Drivers were forced to endure long travel times and at least one driver spent seven hours stuck on the M62 highway that cuts across northern England. Video journalist Richard McCarthy reported seeing many abandoned cars on the highway, including a Jaguar with a shovel planted in the ground next to it. Rail services were also canceled and roads in the Peak District were impassable.

At the airports, delayed flights were a major issue. Flights at the East Midlands Airport were suspended for