Heavy snow and freezing rain are expected to cause significant disruption across the UK, and an amber weather warning is now in force.
Parts of northern England, the Midlands and Wales are forecast to be among the worst affected as adverse weather moves northwards overnight, possibly bringing between 20 and 40 cm (7.8-15.7 in) of snow. in some places.
The Met Office has warned of dangerous travel conditions and told motorists it is “safer not to drive”. Power outages are possible and some rural communities could be cut off.
Less severe yellow weather warnings are also in place covering other areas including Scotland, Northern Ireland and southern England.
the amber weather warnings instead they are:
- A warning for snow and freezing rain will cover most of Wales and central England, including the Midlands and the north-west cities of Liverpool and Manchester, until midday on Sunday.
- A separate snow warning will cover most of northern England, including Leeds, Sheffield and the Lake District, from 21:00 GMT on Saturday until midnight on Sunday.
Amber warnings are more serious than yellow warnings and indicate a possible risk to life due to severe weather, as well as a more significant travel disruption.
Much of England and Wales is covered by a separate yellow warning for snow and freezing rain until Sunday, although there is uncertainty over how damaging the adverse weather could be, with milder temperatures forecast.
Most of Northern Ireland, as well as a swath of northern Scotland, are also covered by yellow warnings for snow and ice.
Professor Liz Bentley, chief executive of the Current Meteorological Society, told BBC Radio 4’s At This Time program that freezing rain occurs when droplets fall on surfaces at sub-zero temperatures and freeze instantly, causing a “glazed ice.” ” on the ground.
Snowfall began in western parts of England on Saturday night, and a patch of wet weather will continue to move northwards across England and Wales overnight, easily turning to snow as it interacts with the cold air moving in. found throughout the UK.
Heaviest snowfall is expected in higher parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England, with up to 30-40cm possible over the mountains of North Wales, the Peak District and the Pennines.
At lower levels some disruptive snow is possible, but in some places it will mix with rain, falling on cold surfaces, creating a danger of ice.
Cumbria Police said on Saturday afternoon they had received numerous calls about a multi-vehicle collision at Wrynose Cross in the Lake District.
Road users in the north of England have been warned that up to 25cm of snow could affect parts of the network, including the A66 Previous Spittal, the A628 Woodhead Cross and the M62 at Windy Hill.
Eastern parts of Northern Ireland could also see some snow overnight, with up to 10cm possible over the hills.
Snow and ice will also affect parts of southern and eastern Scotland during the early hours, with wintry showers in northern Scotland also giving the possibility of slippery conditions.
In the southern counties of England and south Wales, snow is likely to turn to rain as warmer air moves in; Temperatures in parts of south-west England could reach 12C by the end of the night.
More snow is expected to accumulate on Sunday in parts of northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, where it will remain cold.
Heavy rain will be a bigger problem in Wales, central and southern England, where milder conditions will develop.
New yellow weather warnings will also come into force in some areas on Sunday.
Heavy rain and melting snow could cause flooding in parts of north-west England and Wales, while localized snow and ice warnings cover parts of Scotland where it will remain cold.
Temperatures are forecast to drop again from Monday, and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) amber cold weather health alerts for the whole of England remain in place.
