UK Weather: Snow and ice hits with warnings of travel disruption

UK Weather: Snow and ice hits with warnings of travel disruption

Travelers across parts of the UK are being advised to prepare for delays as a cold weather system continues to affect the region, bringing snow and icy conditions into Wednesday morning. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, with a more serious amber warning expected on Thursday. Alongside these, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also put out yellow and amber cold-health alerts, which remain in place until Saturday, indicating heightened health risks due to the ongoing arctic air mass.

Overnight into Wednesday, a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow swept across the country, leaving some areas with icy patches and fresh snow cover. The Met Office cautions that these icy conditions could make travel particularly hazardous, warning that dangerous driving conditions may lead to road closures and stranded vehicles. Darren Clark, a severe weather resilience advisor at National Highways, advised motorists to perform quick safety checks, including ensuring their lights and tires are in good condition, to avoid being caught unprepared. He reassured that more than 530 gritters are ready to be deployed “when snow hits or conditions demand it.”

Road users should anticipate possible delays on key routes such as the A628 Woodhead Pass between Hollingworth and Flouch in Derbyshire, where snow is expected to create travel difficulties. Similarly, Traffic Scotland has highlighted that frequent snow showers could disrupt journeys in areas covered by weather warnings and has issued related travel advice. Maritime travel is also affected; Calmac ferry services in Scotland have reported some cancellations and warned of further disruptions or last-minute cancellations due to adverse weather conditions. Public transport users may face delays or cancellations on bus and train services as well, so planning ahead and allowing ample time for journeys is recommended.

Accumulating snow of between 2 and 5 centimeters is forecast across the hills of Wales, northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with higher amounts expected on elevated terrain. Snow showers continue through the day in parts of southwest Wales and southwest England, potentially causing disruption where snow settles on high ground. The Met Office’s yellow warnings extend until late Thursday night, with up to 15-20 cm possible above 300 meters, and certain areas like the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds may see snowfall reaching up to 25 cm. During Thursday from 05:00 to 21:00 GMT, an amber warning will be in effect for these regions, warning of “substantial disruption” including isolated rural communities, stranded vehicles, and potential power outages. Gusty winds could also trigger blizzard conditions and even thunder snow in some locations.

The weather will feel particularly cold on Wednesday as a strong northerly wind intensifies the chill, lowering perceived temperatures well below the actual 1-7°C range, especially affecting eastern parts of the UK. The UKHSA’s yellow cold-health alerts for the Midlands continue until Saturday morning, while more serious amber alerts cover the North West, North East, Yorkshire, and Humber regions, highlighting potential pressures on health and social care services. These alerts emphasize the significant risks posed to vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and those with existing health conditions, though some younger groups may also be affected. Thursday night is expected to be the coldest of the week, with temperatures plunging below zero and reaching as low as -12°C in rural parts of Scotland. By the weekend, the weather is set to moderate as an Atlantic weather system brings milder air, increased cloud cover, and some rain, raising temperatures closer to average levels

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