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Heavy snow is expected to fall in parts of the UK today as the Met Office upgraded its weather warning to amber following brutal low temperatures of -13C.
A yellow warning in place until midday today means some rural communities could be cut off as thick snow makes for dangerous and difficult driving conditions.
Police Scotland has issued a travel warning for the whole of Scotland and advised people to travel with caution as up to 10 inches of snow is expected to settle in just a few hours.
Up to 10 inches of snow is expected to pile up in less than three hours in parts of Scotland
(PA)
Traffic Scotland reported a number of delays and closures as they said wintry conditions were affecting the M73, M80, M90 and M8. Traffic is very heavy and drivers are facing delays of more than an hour on the eastbound M8 after a collision between junctions five and seven.
Rail and air travel delays and cancellations are also likely.
Overnight temperatures were the most severe of the cold snap so far, with the mercury plunging to -13.5C in Loch Glascarnoch, Scotland.
A level 3 cold weather warning has been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) covering the whole of England and is currently in place until 12 noon on Sunday 18 December.
There is also a yellow warning for snow and ice covering a much wider area until 9pm tonight. There is some concern that when sleet or rain falls on frozen surfaces, it will lead to icy conditions in some areas.
“The UK will remain in a northerly airstream until the weekend, but then the cold conditions that have dominated our weather patterns will begin to lose ground to mild air coming in from the southwest – but not without problems in the transition period,” the Met said office chief forecaster Frank Saunders.
The Met Office has upgraded its weather warning to amber for snow in parts of Scotland
(Meteorological office)
“As the mild air meets the cold air currently in place over the UK, there will be a transitional period of snow, even down to low levels, especially in the north.
“Add to this the risk of rain falling on frozen surfaces and strong winds over the highlands of northern Britain (bringing blizzard conditions briefly) and it could be a day to avoid travel in some areas, although the snow should turn into rain later.”
Snow creates dangerous driving conditions
(PA archive)
Cars negotiate Winnats Pass in the Peak District as the UK has a week of snow
(PA)
Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager, said: “We urge travelers to plan ahead and check before they set off, as well as make sure their vehicles are winter-ready.
“Planning ahead has never been more important. Here, our winter treatment plans are already underway on the main road network, the salt barns are well stocked and a record 240 grits are ready for deployment from over 40 depots across Scotland.
“We expect the transport network to be busier in the run-up to the Christmas weekend as people look to spend time with friends and family, so it’s important passengers continue to play their part.”
MET OFFICE PERSPECTIVES
Today: Much of England and Wales is dry with plenty of sunshine after a bit of cold. Patches of rain, sleet and snow moving east across Scotland and Northern Ireland; later the snow was mostly confined to the hills. It stays cold.
Tonight: Scattered showers, hills with snow in some northern and western parts. Dry with clear spells in the south and east allowing for another bit of cold and some icy patches of mist.
Saturday: Further showers in northern and western parts, with snow on the hills. Mostly dry with sunny spells in the south and east. Temperatures are recovering a bit, but it’s still cold.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Rain, accompanied by strong winds and preceded by snow and perhaps icing, moving northeast on Sunday, followed by milder conditions. It remains unsettled for the next week.
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