The Met Office has said that another storm could be on its way to the UK between Christmas and New Year.
And it’s got one of the most Mancunian names ever.
Storm Corrie.
2021 has certainly brought with it its fair share of unpredictable and harsh weather conditions of all kinds throughout the year, and by the sounds of it, with the potential arrival of a storm with the same name as the nickname of the iconic Manchester-set TV soap, the final week of the month looks set to be no different.
Following recent reports that said ‘a snowbomb’ could drop be dropping up to 1cm of snow in the North West within just an hour on 27 December, some weather forecasters are now predicting that this new storm could also batter the UK shortly after Christmas.
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Although not officially declared by the Met Office as of yet, Storm Corrie would be the third storm of the winter season, following the recent Storm Arwen and Storm Barra.
Storm Corrie would potentially bring with it rain and snow.
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The Met Office has confirmed there is a signal that we will transition to more unsettled conditions towards the end of next week.
But there is nothing currently in the forecast that indicates 27 December as a focus for storm which would cause particularly high impacts, so we will just have to wait and see for now.
But one question still remains though – will we actually have a white Christmas?
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Well, according to the Met Office, while there is “still a lot of uncertainty”, in some places – especially in Northern areas of the UK – it is entirely possible that we could be given a covering of snow on the big day itself, as temperatures plummet into biting cold and unsettled conditions.
Other regions across the UK, however, will likely just experience some cold and bright weather conditions instead of snow.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast for the Christmas period,” explained Dan Rudman, expert meteorologist at the Met Office.
“Whilst there is certainly a risk of wintry conditions for many places, other outcomes are still possible such as warmer air to move across the UK bringing rain widely with any potential snow being restricted to higher ground and the far north.”
So, it all remains to be seen once the big day arrives.
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals
Emily Sergeant
Pubs are to be permitted to extend their opening hours if England make it through to the semi-finals of EURO 2024 this summer.
With the Premier League, and the English and Scottish football leagues, all drawing to a close over the next couple of weeks, our nations are already looking ahead to what is gearing up to be a massive summer of sport – with both the UEFA EURO 2024, and the 2024 Olympics coming up before August is out.
And now, it’s been revealed by Home Secretary James Cleverly that if either England or Scotland’s mens national football teams make it to the semi-final of European football’s flagship tournament, then pubs will be allowed to stay open for longer.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?
The Government has said that venues will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours on match days if either or both teams reach the last four or the final of the competition, but this only applies to pubs that already have a license to open until 11pm anyway.
The move to extend opening hours comes after a consultation at the end of last year, and is hoped to provide a boost to the hospitality industry – which has notably been hit hard during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Home Secretaries in England and Wales, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, but the Scottish and Northern Irish Governments have to set their own rules.
“We have listened to the public through our consultation,” explained Home Secretary James Cleverley, “and we will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”
The EURO 2024 semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July / Credit: UEFA
Mr Cleverley said the move will “allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home”.
This legislation is set to be laid in Parliament today (Wednesday 8 May) to ensure there is enough time for it to be debated and passed before the tournament begins on Friday 14 June, the Government has confirmed.
Man charged in connection with broad daylight murder of 51-year-old woman in Tameside last year
Emily Sergeant
A man has been charged in connection with the tragic murder of 51-year-old woman in Tameside last year.
Michelle Hodgkinson had been walking along Edge Lane in the Droylsden area of Tameside on Friday 2 June 2023 when she was approached by a male and stabbed to death in broad daylight.
The 51-year-old had was said to have just been going about her day, and was walking to meet her mum so that she could take her shopping when the horrific incident occurred, and although emergency services rushed to the scene, despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead a short while later.
— Tameside South and West Police (GMP) (@GMPTamesideS) June 4, 2023
But now, following a lengthy investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Major Incident Team, a man has been charged with murder in connection with Michelle’s death.
Paul Hughes, 29, was yesterday (Tuesday 7 May) charged with murder, GMP has confirmed, and he has been remanded in a secure mental health hospital, where he remains under treatment.
He will next appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court on Thursday 6 June.
Commenting on the charging of Mr Hughes, Detective Inspector Danny Lee, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, took a moment to stress to the Greater Manchester public that Michelle’s death is a “very rare type of incident”.
#CHARGED | We have charged a man with murder after a lengthy investigation and continue to appeal for any further evidence.
This was after Michelle Hodgkinson was sadly stabbed and died from her injuries in #Droylsden back in June 2023.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 7, 2024
DI Lee explained: “We understand this tragedy may have increased the community concerns in relation to knife crime, but we would like to stress this is a very rare type of incident. However, at the heart of this incident, a loved one has been torn away, and our thoughts remain with Michelle’s family, whom we continue to support with specialist officers.”
Following Mr Hughes’ charging, GMP has also reissued its public appeal for information, and is urging any witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 1353 of 02/06/2023, or information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.