Motorists and commuters across the UK are being warned of significant disruptions due to the first snowfall of the season, with snow and ice warnings in place for multiple regions. The weather is expected to cause travel chaos, including school closures and potential impacts on train and road services.
Key Details:
- Snowfall across the UK: Snow started to fall on Monday in several parts of the country, with BBC Weather labeling it as the “first glimpse of the season.”
- Yellow Warnings: The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings for snow and ice. These warnings cover parts of:
- Northern Scotland
- Northern England
- Northern Ireland
- The Midlands and North-East Wales These warnings remain in effect through Tuesday and into Wednesday, with some areas experiencing heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.
Disruption to Services:
- School Closures: Around 103 schools have been closed in areas like Powys, Wrexham, and Flintshire in Wales, and several others in Lincolnshire.
- Rail Disruptions: National Rail reported that various Northern services could be impacted until at least 14:00 GMT.
- Road Warnings: National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for snow on roads, including major motorways such as the M56 in Manchester, and the M1 in Leeds and Sheffield. Up to 15 cm of snow is expected in some regions, making road conditions hazardous. Travel Advice: Drivers are advised to reduce speed, increase following distance, and be cautious on untreated roads where ice may form, especially during overnight or early morning hours.
Cold Temperatures:
- The weather is also bringing much colder-than-usual temperatures for mid-November:
- London could see temperatures dropping to -2°C by Friday.
- Birmingham could hit -4°C.
- Northern areas may experience even colder temperatures, with some parts seeing lows of -7°C.
Health Warnings:
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold weather health alert for the following regions:
- East Midlands
- West Midlands
- North East
- North West
- Yorkshire and the Humber
The UKHSA warns that the cold weather could impact vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and those with existing health conditions. It’s important for people to check on friends, family, and neighbors to ensure they are well-prepared for the cold.
Forecast and Future Weather:
- Snow Accumulations: Snow depths have reached 12 cm in some areas, creating a “winter wonderland” effect in parts of North Wales, the Midlands, and Lincolnshire.
- End of Week: By this weekend, milder south-westerly winds are expected to replace the current cold air, potentially bringing wet and windy conditions across the UK. While there is still a risk of snow in some areas, it is not expected to settle as much as it did earlier in the week.
Travel and Safety Tips:
- Driving in Snow: Drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully, monitor weather reports, and ensure they have a snow kit (including blankets, food, water, and a shovel) in their vehicles in case of delays.
- Health Precautions: With the increased risks from cold weather, especially for vulnerable individuals, it’s essential to stay warm and safe.
In conclusion, the UK is experiencing an early taste of winter, and both commuters and the general public are advised to prepare for disruptions due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.