Manchester United trip to Anfield to go ahead despite snow disruption
An amber weather warning was in place across Greater Manchester and Cheshire
Last updated 5th Jan 2025
Liverpool FC have confirmed that Manchester United's visit to Anfield this afternoon will go ahead as planned.
Two safety meetings have been held, following heavy snow, to assess weather and travel conditons.
A statement added: "We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today.
"If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there."
Airport disruption easing
Runways have re-opened at Manchester Airport, after closures caused by heavy snow.
Officials say some departures and arrivals could still be delayed, as teams "work to de-ice aircraft and clear walkways."
A statement added: "Please check with your airline for the latest flight information and allow extra travel time today. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
"We would like to thank our teams for their hard work in getting the runways operational again."
'Do not travel' warnings
Transpennine Express issued a "do not travel" warning, urging passengers not to travel on its rail routes: Manchester Airport - Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Preston and Manchester Airport - Leeds - York and Newcastle.
"This is due to no bus replacement services being able to run for the planned engineering work due to the heavy snowfall which is severely impacting roads and has led to the suspension of bus operations across the Pennines and North West," the operator added.
Officials said the line between Leeds and Manchester is blocked, and delays are likely across the whole network.
Northern Rail also urged passengers not to travel.
Disruption is also expected on roads across the area.
In an update last night (Saturday), travel provider INRIX confirmed: "A628 Woodhead Pass both ways closed due to snow between Tintwistle and A616 (Flouch Roundabout)."
During disruption earlier this morning, Hits Radio reporter Rosa Bown was trying to go on holiday from Manchester Airport, and said: "We lined up for boarding at about ten-to, then there was an announcement over the tannoy saying we wouldn't be taking off for an hour.
"We sat down, then we were told to line up for boarding in three to five minutes.
"After standing in the queue for about two minutes, there was another announcement saying the airport was closed until 9am.
"There was a big groan from people in the boarding queue when we heard we weren't going to be going anywhere until 9am."