Extreme cold weather and snowfall are set to disrupt southern England, with widespread risks of travel disruption and flooding.
A fresh snow and ice warning has been issued across southern England as the UK braces for what could be the coldest nights of the year. Temperatures are expected to plunge to as low as -16C on Thursday night, making this week a particularly bitter one for much of the country.
The Met Office has placed a yellow snow warning from 9am until midnight on Wednesday, covering southern counties including Kent, Cornwall, and up to South London. The forecast suggests that between two and five centimetres of snow could accumulate in many areas, with higher ground potentially seeing up to 10cm of snow.
Northern regions of England and Scotland are expected to face the most extreme temperatures, with lows potentially reaching -14C on Wednesday night and dropping further to -16C on Thursday. These cold temperatures, combined with snow, could cause severe travel disruptions.
In addition to the snow warning, the Met Office has issued weather alerts for snow and ice affecting the Midlands, North Wales, the North West of England, parts of Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with these warnings remaining in place until midday on Wednesday.
The ongoing cold snap follows heavy rainfall over the New Year period, which led to widespread flooding, particularly in the North West of England and Yorkshire. The Environment Agency has reported that at least 300 properties have been flooded since December 31st, but over 41,000 homes have been protected due to preventative measures.
Flooding continues to be a major concern, with more than 100 flood warnings in effect across England on Wednesday. The Environment Agency has urged people to remain alert, especially in areas prone to flooding, and to sign up for flood warnings.
Some areas have already seen significant disruption as a result of the weather, including the suspension of flights at Manchester, Bristol, and Liverpool John Lennon airports, as well as the closure of hundreds of schools. The dangerous weather conditions have also affected roads and railways, causing delays and blockages across the UK.
Leicestershire has seen severe flooding, with firefighters rescuing dozens of people since Monday. A danger-to-life warning was issued for the River Soar near Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, though it has since been lifted. The Environment Agency urged residents in nearby caravan parks to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
As the cold snap continues, officials are advising people to take extra precautions against the severe weather, particularly in areas affected by snow, ice, and flooding.
