A Three-Day Snow Alert and Ice Warnings Signal Disruptions Across the Country
The UK is bracing for severe weather, with new ice warnings in place from Thursday afternoon, followed by a three-day snow alert that will impact large areas of the country this weekend. The ice warning will be active from 5pm today until 10am on Friday, covering parts of northwest England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. A second snow and ice warning begins at 4pm, covering northeastern Scotland.
Meanwhile, a yellow snow warning will come into effect at midday on Saturday, lasting until 9am on Monday. This alert includes all of England, with the exception of the southwest, along with parts of Northern Ireland and some regions of Scotland. There is also a separate snow warning for Scotland, from midnight on Sunday until midday on Monday. The Met Office has warned that this cold spell could lead to power cuts and mobile phone network disruptions.
Travel disruptions are expected due to hazardous road conditions, with some vehicles and passengers potentially stranded, along with delays or cancellations in rail and air travel. The snow could accumulate in some areas, with 3 to 7 cm expected to fall from Thursday afternoon, and up to 10 cm in higher ground.
The ice warning specifically cautions against slips and falls, urging the public to remain cautious on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths. The alert comes amid a major incident declared in Greater Manchester after severe flooding forced evacuations and closed roads and train lines.
In preparation for potential power cuts and difficult travel, the Met Office recommends that people plan their journeys carefully, check for delays and road closures, and pack essential items such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, and an ice scraper for their vehicles. People who may face power outages should ensure they have torches, batteries, and phone chargers at hand.
Flood warnings are also in effect for the North of England and the Midlands, with possible coastal flooding on the south and east coasts. Areas in Scotland, including Tayside, Central, and the Findhorn region, are also under flood alerts. Wales continues to face flood risks, particularly in the north.
The coming weekend will see temperatures drop significantly, with some northern parts of the UK potentially reaching -10°C (14°F). Snow is expected to blanket large parts of England, Wales, and northern Scotland, with up to 20-30 cm forecast for higher ground. The risk of significant disruptions to travel remains high, and the Met Office has warned that rural areas might become cut off due to the heavy snow.
In Greater Manchester, emergency teams are dealing with the aftermath of flooding, and some residents have already been evacuated. The region experienced intense rainfall, with parts of the North West receiving nearly a month’s worth of rain in just 48 hours, adding to the already challenging weather conditions.
