After severe snowfall led some motorists to abandon their vehicles on inaccessible roads, about 40 individuals were forced to spend the night in a tavern.
The Bear Inn in Burwash, East Sussex, offered hot beverages, log fires, and mattresses for children to guests who were trapped.
Dr. Alexandra Loske, who slept at the bar, reported that many patrons slept on the floor, but everyone was “happy.”
The cold spell will continue, and additional disruptions are possible.
The severe snowfall caused significant disruption, including aircraft cancellations, halted train operations, and hazardous driving conditions.
Dr. Loske, a curator at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, reported that scores of people, including infants, children, and the elderly, sought refuge at the Bear Inn, describing the sight as “biblical.”
Sunday at approximately 17:00 GMT, Dr. Loske said she abandoned her vehicle on the A265 as the situation there became “extremely frightening.”
She stated that many vehicles had broken down, while others were just stopped and automobiles were “sliding everywhere.”
She continued, “It was rather remarkable that fifteen minutes of snow was all it took for us to become utterly stranded.
She set out with approximately five families in search of shelter, but the first establishment they visited soon requested them to leave.
She stated, “Conditions were still extremely perilous when we discovered that the Bear Inn was taking in vagrants and stranded individuals.”
She told, “It was a long and frightening night, but we made so many new friends and met so many kind and generous individuals. We are now safe and warm.”
“They put us all up, with log fires burning, open arms, free food, and free hot beverages.”
Pauline Wilson, the innkeeper of the Bear Inn, stated that they had eight hotel rooms, but they rapidly filled up.
“Once we were filled, we realized very quickly that these folks cannot spend the night in their cars,” she explained.
‘Hero’ vicar
Additionally, Tom Buckley from Bexhill sought safety in the tavern.
He stated, “I became stranded on a hill just outside of Burwash, was hauled up the hill, and rescued by the local vicar, who was a hero.
“He offered us a place to stay, but we stayed at the Bear Inn, which provided us with a room.”
“Each room was occupied, and others were sleeping in the bar. These individuals could not be much friendlier.”
Monday morning, Hastings Police reported that several motorists were stranded on the A21 and adjoining roads.
Officers asked individuals to remain calm and in their vehicles.
National Highways said that all South East and East England motorways are now operational after heavy overnight snowfall caused substantial network disruptions.
The M25, M11, M2, M20, A21, and A249 were among the routes that had to be temporarily closed or endured severe delays.
In the meantime, the Southeastern railroad advised passengers not to travel on Monday morning owing to the interruption.
It stated in a statement that snow and ice caused “serious interruption” over its entire network and that disruptions will persist.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather advisory until Friday, urging individuals to keep warm and keep an eye on those most in danger.
