Mini 'Beast from the East' returns and hits the borough

Wintry weather has been causing major disruption across Oldham once again.

The Met Office warned that icy conditions would continue through today (Monday).

The warning also said power cuts could occur if strong winds damage trees or other structures.

Three schools in Oldham, Shaw and Chadderton are shut today.

East Crompton St George's CE Primary School in George Street, Shaw, is closed due to burst pipes and icy conditions.

A message on the school's website read: "East Crompton St George's will be closed on Monday, March 19 due to burst pipes, ice and flooding caused by the weekend's adverse weather conditions.

"Thank you for your understanding."

Stanley Road Primary School in Chadderton is also closed due to a broken boiler.

The school is due to reopen tomorrow (Tuesday) once repairs are carried out by the caretaker and maintenance staff today.

A message on the associated website read: "Unfortunately school will be closed on Monday, March 19 as our boiler has broken and there is no heating or hot water in school.

"This also means we are unable to provide food as normal.

"We apologise for the inconvenience and hope to be open tomorrow."

The snow and hazardous conditions has also caused the Blue Coat school, on Egerton Street, to shut to all students.

The school said: "Although conditions have improved in the surrounding areas; high winds have caused significant snow drifts around the school site.

"We hope to be open as usual on Tuesday, March 20."

A number of roads across the region were closed due to snow yesterday.

Bus routes across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, have been affected over the weekend.

There has also been delays at Manchester Airport because planes have had to de-ice due to the cold weather.

Rush-hour rail commuters are facing delays and cancellations this morning due to the weather.

Dozens of services affecting Greater Manchester lines have been affected.

However, TransPennine Express services from Sheffield to Manchester in both directions have now resumed after heavy snow drifts led to cancellations.

On the Metrolink service, structural damage at Victoria station is currently causing headaches.

Passengers have been advised to use either Shudehill or Exchange Square until further notice.

Nationally, dozens of vehicles were stranded overnight on the A30 dual carriageway in Devon amid heavy snow.

Around 80 people, including children, sought refuge at an emergency rest centre set up in a college in Okehampton near the A30.

Among those stranded at the centre were two newlyweds on their wedding night.

Meanwhile in Wales, more than 170 schools will be fully or partially closed today.