Met Office Issues Urgent Snow Warnings Across the UK
The Met Office has issued a stark warning that parts of the United Kingdom will be blanketed with up to six inches of snow tonight, as a severe wintry blast is set to batter the country. Multiple yellow snow and ice warnings have been activated across various regions, highlighting the potential for significant disruptions and hazardous conditions.
Widespread Snowfall and Ice Alerts
From 4pm yesterday until 10am this morning, several yellow warnings for snow and ice have been in effect nationwide. Forecasters predict that between 10 to 15 centimetres of snow will hit parts of Scotland and northern England, while lower-lying areas could see one to three centimetres accumulate overnight. The Met Office has cautioned that these conditions could lead to injuries due to slips and falls on icy surfaces, urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
Motorists are advised to take extra time while driving on affected roads, as icy patches are likely on untreated surfaces. The impact extends beyond road users, with rail, bus, and other forms of public transport expected to experience some disruption. The snowfall is forecast to persist into Sunday morning, accompanied by spells of freezing rain throughout the night.
Health and Safety Concerns
In response to the cold weather, the UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow health alerts for the Midlands and northern England over the weekend. These alerts indicate that the weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare resources and a greater risk to vulnerable individuals. The public is encouraged to check travel conditions before venturing out, as icy surfaces may create hazardous patches on pavements and cycle paths.
Additionally, a yellow ice warning has been implemented for most of Wales, as well as central and southern England, from 5pm tonight until 10am tomorrow. In Northern Ireland, a similar warning for ice came into force at 8pm on Friday and will remain until 10am on Saturday.
Expert Forecast and Flood Risks
Met Office chief forecaster Rebekah Hicks provided insight into the evolving situation, stating, 'Snow is likely ahead of the rain across northern England and Scotland and could reach lower levels at times on Saturday night into Sunday. The snow will gradually turn to rain as the front moves east across the country on Sunday. The rain may be heavy at times, and it will be windy in coastal areas.' She emphasised that additional warnings may be necessary and urged the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts.
Concurrently, the Environment Agency has advised vigilance due to 75 flood warnings and 151 flood alerts currently in place across the UK. Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, remarked, 'With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding. So far, more than 24,000 homes and business have been protected but sadly around 330 have suffered flooding and our thoughts are with those communities affected.' He assured that teams are deploying pumps, temporary barriers, and clearing waterways to mitigate the impact.
Floods minister Emma Hardy echoed these concerns, stating, 'Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected, and I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.'
Record Rainfall and Persistent Winter Conditions
This Arctic blast follows a record-breaking month of rain, with January becoming the wettest on record for Cornwall in south-west England and County Down in Northern Ireland, according to the Met Office. Many have noted a sense that winter has been stuck on repeat, with 26 weather stations setting new records for January rainfall.
The UK has already experienced 89 per cent of the average rainfall expected for meteorological winter (December, January, and February), while England has exceeded this by 11 per cent. Regions such as Devon, Cornwall, Worcestershire, Somerset, and West Sussex have recorded more than 30 consecutive days of rain, with some areas like North Wyke in Devon, Cardinham in Cornwall, and Astwood Bank in Worcestershire seeing rainfall every day of the year so far.
