Brits issued ‘loss of life’ warning as UK braces for ‘sharp frost and ice’ | UK | News
Following heavy snowfall in many parts of England, a “loss of life” warning was issued as the country was still facing adverse weather conditions. The warning came as scores of school children were reportedly seen walking on frozen ponds in Nottinghamshire.
Ashfield Fire Station said it was reported that “children wearing school uniforms” were walking on ice at local ponds on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 6. Nottinghamshire Live. Ashfield Fire Station added: “Parents, please talk to your children about how dangerous this is. Ice may seem safe but can break without warning. Showing off to friends can have devastating consequences.
“Please make sure your children get home safely for tea tonight. If you work in a school, please remind all students of the dangers of entering frozen ponds and lakes. It’s not brave. It’s not smart. Don’t do it.”
Similarly, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: “Whether you’re walking your dog, out with the family or heading to the park, stay away from frozen lakes, ponds and rivers. Ice is unpredictable and can collapse without warning, causing injuries and even loss of life.”
It comes after the Met Office extended its yellow weather warning for icy conditions covering most of England and large parts of Scotland and Wales. The forecaster, which was first published for the first 10 hours of Wednesday, January 7, has decided to bring forward its start from tonight.
The warning warns that icy areas are expected to cause disruptions and increase the likelihood of injury.
The Met Office said in its latest forecast that cold temperatures tonight could lead to “hard frost and icing”. The statement said: “Rain, sleet and snow are falling in the south this evening, eventually clearing overnight. More snow will then fall in Northern Scotland. Although not as cold as last night, clear skies will lead to a sharp frost and icing for most.”
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Further eastward snowfall is forecast across central and northern Scotland today. Yellow warnings will remain in place until 7pm this evening.
“Elsewhere, snow showers will mix with rain and sleet and it will be another very cold day with winds also strengthening.
“Cold weather returns overnight, with temperatures dropping below freezing again, meaning there is a further risk of ice overnight and new yellow weather warnings for ice cover much of the UK by Wednesday morning.”
