Travel disruption expected as ice and snow grip UK
A yellow severe weather warning for snow and multiple yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for areas around the UK on Friday.
While the most severe conditions are seen in Scotland, all countries in the UK will be affected by the expected travel disruption.
With low temperatures, the UK Health Safety Agency’s (UKHSA) yellow cold health warnings cover the whole of England.
The amber snow warning will come into force at midday on Friday for parts of Scotland and could lead to vehicles being stranded, rural communities cut off and rail and air travel canceled.
Areas affected by the warning include Angus, Perth and parts of Kinross, Grampian, Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands.
Snowfall will become more frequent during the day. Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely at low levels, while accumulations of 30-40 cm are possible on higher ground with some drifts and snowstorms.
The Met Office has urged people to plan their routes carefully and pack essential belongings in their cars in case of delays. Important items to bring include warm clothing, water, a blanket, and an ice scraper.
Amber warnings in Scotland are currently in effect until midday on Saturday.
Police Scotland’s head of road policing, Ch Supt Scott McCarren, said: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider whether your journey in bad weather is actually necessary or whether it can be postponed until conditions improve.”
Yellow snow and ice warnings came into force from midnight on Thursday for large parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales; It continued until noon on Friday in England and Wales and until 10am in Northern Ireland.
The Met Office added that up to 5cm of snow was possible in a few areas, including the highlands of north Wales, north-west England and the north-west Midlands.
UKHSA’s yellow cold health warnings for the whole of England will be in force until 12pm on 6 January.
The warnings warn that deaths are rising, especially among the elderly and vulnerable people.
Other consequences of the cold weather include temperatures in hospitals and care homes falling below recommended levels to assess health risks, and people struggling to keep indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, according to the UKHSA.
Stay up to date with the latest predictions BBC Weather website or the details of the implementation are likely to change.
