The Met Office has issued two amber weather warnings for snow and freezing rain in the UK, with the severe weather set to cause further disruption and impact travel plans
The UK is bracing for a bout of severe winter weather, with heavy snow and freezing rain set to cause disruption across the country. Two amber weather warnings have been issued, signalling potential chaos. Bristol Airport has halted flights until further notice, and there’s an expectation of more delays and cancellations for both rail and air travel. It meant several arrivals were instead diverted to Cardiff or Birmingham. The Met Office warns that stranded vehicles, power cuts, and general mayhem are likely as the nation endures a week-long spell of wintry conditions.
Tragically, during this tumultuous week, a walker lost their life after falling from a ridge in the Lake District. Snow is expected in most areas as a band of low pressure moves in from the southwest. Rural communities, especially in Wales, could become isolated with up to 30cm (11 inches) of snow predicted in some places. Cumbria Police reported on Saturday afternoon a multiple-vehicle collision on Wrynose Pass in the Lake District, warning of “a lot of snow and ice” on the roads via social media.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended cold weather health alerts for all of England, anticipating a challenging week ahead. Amber alerts were activated on Thursday and are set to remain until January 8, indicating an expected increase in weather-related deaths, according to the agency.
The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, Dan Holley, has warned that temperatures will stay below average with some areas struggling to get above freezing for several days. He also hinted at the possibility that the seasonal chaos could last longer and that further weather warnings could be issued at the start of next week.
The Met Office says: “Snow will reach the south of the warning area later Saturday, then spread north across the rest of the area through Sunday morning. Snow will be persistent and heavy at times, and will likely drift in brisk easterly winds, especially over higher ground.
“Much of the warning area can expect 3-7 cm of snow. Areas above about 150 m will likely see 15-30 cm, with 40 cm for ground above 300 m, before snow begins to ease and clear by the end of Sunday. For some lower-lying areas, such as the Vale of York, snow may mix with rain at times making estimations of snow depths here more difficult. Regardless, travel will likely be difficult, with power line icing an additional impact.”
Road users in England’s north were warned up to 25cm of snow could hit parts of the network including the A66 Old Spittal, A628 Woodhead Pass and M62 at Windy Hill.