Arctic Blast Forces Closure of Major Pennine Road Amid Widespread Snow and Ice Warnings
A significant Arctic blast has led to the closure of a major road across the Pennines, as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures sweep across Scotland and northern England. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings, which remain in force until noon on Friday, predicting widespread travel disruption and hazardous conditions.
Road Closures and Travel Disruption
National Highways confirmed that the A66 was closed between the A67 near Bowes in County Durham and the A685 near Brough in Cumbria due to concentrated snowfall. Crews are on scene with winter treatment vehicles, but forecasts indicate continued snowfall throughout the morning. Cumbria police units are assisting in clearing traffic, and road users are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes for travel across the Pennines.
In Scotland, the warning includes snow showers of up to 10cm on high ground and 2cm on low ground, with freezing temperatures making driving dangerous and journey times longer. In northern England, the warning covers rain, sleet, and snow, which could lead to slippery pavements, icy roads, and disruptions to public transport. Above 300 metres, up to 10cm of snow may settle.
Health Alerts and Weather Patterns
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold weather alerts for northern England and the Midlands, effective from 6am on Friday until 8am on Monday. These alerts highlight an increased risk to vulnerable individuals and a higher demand for healthcare services during this period.
This wintry weather follows a notably wet start to 2026 for many parts of the UK. Some areas, such as Devon, Cornwall, and Worcestershire, experienced rain for 40 days, while Aberdeen endured 21 days without sun until a brief appearance on Thursday afternoon. Additionally, flood warnings and alerts are in place, with 76 warnings and 154 alerts in England, and four alerts in Wales.
Forecast for the Weekend
Despite the current challenges, there is hope for improvement. Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna predicts that Saturday will likely be the best day seen in some time, with abundant sunshine across the UK. Although temperatures will be cooler than average, the sunshine is expected to offset the chill, providing some relief from the harsh conditions.
