Unexpected snowfall hits Merseyside
Schools closed and rail and road network affected
Last updated 8th Mar 2018
Merseyside has been hit by unexpected heavy snow early this morning and through the rush hour causing a number of issues for commuters.
"We did expect the snow to be more towards the Pennines on higher ground."
Snow began to fall in the early hours creating difficult driving conditions. Many schools across the region closed and a number of main commuter routes saw cars at a standstill.
Merseyrail saw the Ormskirk line subject to severe delays after heavy snow caused a train to short out and become stuck on the line.
Most of the snow had melted away by 11am.
A Met Office Spokesperson admitted it had taken them slightly by surprise:
"We did expect the snow to be more towards the Pennines on higher ground. Snow is very difficult to forecast when it is a mix of snow, sleet and rain. Sometimes a matter of just a few miles can make a huge difference"