Wintry weather causes power cuts in Britain

LONDON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of homes were left without power as harsh wintry weather hit large parts of Britain early Wednesday.

The western power distribution company said more than 12,000 homes were without power in the Midlands, southwest England and Wales, and the cuts were all snow-related.

The company said extra staff had been called in to cope with the emergency situation, trying to restore the power supply.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said about 13,800 customers were without power.

Police have warned drivers of hazardous conditions on roads, and some airports have been closed for a short time to clear snow from the runway.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning of rain and snow for Scotland, Northern Ireland and northeast England. Enditem