A WINTER ultra-marathon making its way through Cumbria and southern Scotland has been temporarily halted by organisers tonight due to the severe weather forecasted.

The Spine is a non-stop 268 mile event encompassing the entire length of the Pennine Way.

Tonight an announcement on the event's social media channels states: "Due to a severe weather warning, the Spine Race is on temporary hold with immediate effect.

"The decision has been taken because the safety of both the runners and the support staff is likely to be seriously compromised.

"The forecast includes persistent and heavy snow fall, 45mph winds and extreme wind-chill.

"Racers are being held at CP3 (Middleton in Teesdale), Dufton, Greg’s Hut, CP4 (Alston), CP5 (Bellingham) and CP5.5 (Byrness)."
It adds that the situation is being monitored closely and the race will restart as soon as it is safe to do so.

The disruption comes as an overnight "Do Not Travel" warning comes into force in parts of Scotland with Dumfries and Galloway predicted to see snowfall before midnight, although it may arrive as rain around the coast.

Meanwhile the M6 and A66 through Cumbria will be among the worst-hit routes across northern England tonight. Shap on the M6 and Stainmore on the A66 are among those at greatest risk.

That's the warning from Highways England, which has issued a severe weather alert for motorists.

It falls the amber weather warning for snow from the Met Office - the second highest level of alert.

Snow fall of between 8cm-12cm is predicted on the A66 and M6 at Shap, and 5cm-10cm over other key northern routes including the trans-Pennine M62, A628 Woodhead Pass and much of the North East, north of Scotch Corner.

Coastal routes and other routes in Cumbria are due to see nearer 1cm-4cm of snow fall and sleet.

Over 20 gritters - some fitted with snow ploughs - and four tractors will be out from Cumbria Highways, trying to keep routes open.

Highways England say drivers are urged to be prepared before setting out on journeys tonight.

The weather is likely to cause travel disruption throughout the evening, with increased journey times for motorists.

Meanwhile, north of the border, Police Scotland are already advising motorists to avoid travelling across the central belt and southern Scotland.

Winds will be mostly light across Cumbria and north of York, but gusts 40-50mph can be expected to the south of this which could lead to drifting on the M62 and A628.

Kim Taylor, Highways England’s duty operations manager, said: “Gritters are out treating our routes, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and the snow is not settling, it can be slippery in patches where ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.

"We will be monitoring all of our routes in particularly the A628 which may have to close for safety reasons later this evening due to the severe weather that is forecast.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”

Highways England is advising drivers to pay attention to messages on the overhead electronic signs and listen for radio updates.

Further information can be found by visiting http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by following @highwaysnwest @highwaysneast or @highwaysyorks on Twitter.

The Met Office says a "spell of persistent and heavy snow" is expected to fall from tonight through until tomorrow morning.

The warning, which covers the north eastern part of the county, is in place between 9pm tonight and 5am tomorrow.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place for much of the county from 6pm tonight into tomorrow.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Travel delays are likely on roads with a risk that some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.

"Delays or cancellations are likely to rail and air travel. Some rural communities are likely to become cut off and power cuts are probable.

"Other services, such as mobile phone, may be affected.

Many roads across Cumbria have already been closed off and one school has had to shut its doors for the day because of snow.

Some higher parts of the county experienced snow and sub-zero temperatures overnight leading to the authorities closing off some highways.

They are:

  • The A6 at Shap
  • A592 Kirkstone Pass between Troutbeck and Hartsop
  • A591 at Kendal
  • Garsdale Head A684 (Sedbergh)
  • A7 at Langholm
  • New Hutton - A684 both ways around Kinn Road
  • B5289 Honister Pass between Keswick and Loweswater

Children at Bewcastle Primary School, Roadhead, north of Brampton, will not be in classes today as staff have taken the decision to close because of snow in the area.

Police in Allerdale reported dealing with just one crash last night because of snow in west Cumbria.

Recycling collections in the Alston area have been affected by the bad weather. Eden Council says kerbside recycling bag and box collections "are not possible today" due to snow.

A spokesman said: "If your bag and box haven't been emptied today, Eden Council are advising residents to please take them in as strong winds are forecast later.

"The council's contractor will pick up any additional recycling at the next collection date."

People travelling north from Cumbria into Scotland are being warned of hazardous driving conditions.

Much of southern Scotland has been hit hard by snow and it has left many key routes covered in snow.

There is queuing traffic on the A74(M) both ways due to snow between Abington and J17 for Lockerbie North. People are advised not to use the route if possible.

Some buses have also been cancelled in Dumfries and Galloway.

Motorists have been stranded overnight in the snow on the M74.

Junctions 9 to 12 southbound and junctions 16 to 13 northbound have been particularly affected with drivers becoming stuck on the road due to the "challenging conditions."

Police Scotland said that travel conditions this morning remain "extremely poor" and emergency services have been working overnight to resolve the situation.

The force said: "Partner agencies have been working together to ensure that welfare support is provided to road users who have been stuck on the M74.

"Officers from Police Scotland are urging motorists to avoid the area. If your journey is not essential, please avoid this particular area of the M74. Further updates will be provided."

Borders Council said that all schools in the Borders would be closed today following heavy snow yesterday and overnight.

In a tweet it said the decision had been taken in the interests of the safety of pupils, staff, parents and carers.

It added: "The council has considered all options in making this decision, and has taken it in conjunction with advice from partners, including Police Scotland."