SNOW is set to blanket the UK as three days of sub-zeros temperatures hits.
Wintry showers could see up to 11 inches of the white stuff fall after 75mph winds and flash floods caused New Year’s chaos.
The Met Office has issued a flurry of weather warnings, including for snow across Scotland today and tomorrow, before almost all of England and Wales is covered between Saturday and Monday.
This could see up to 20cm of snowfall on higher grounds of the Pennines and parts of Wales while an Atlantic frontal system takes hold.
The Met Office describes the snow as “heavy” during this period, with the warning in place between midday on Saturday and 9am on Monday.
The forecaster said: “Outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank.
“Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially on hills.”
Travel delays are expected, with a possibility of power cuts and rural communities being cut off.
Dan Holley, deputy chief forecaster, said: “An Atlantic frontal system is likely to move across parts of central and southern UK through the weekend.
“With milder, moisture-laden air engaging with the cold conditions already in place this may bring a spell of snow in some areas, before possibly turning back to rain in the south.
“At this stage there is a fair amount of uncertainty over exactly which areas will see disruptive snow, with parts of Wales, northern England and the Midlands most likely to see some impacts.
“Here we could see 5cm or more in quite a few areas, and perhaps as much as 20-30cm over high ground, including Wales and the Pennines.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Edinburgh Hogmanay events including famous street party CANCELLED as storm chaos brings New Year misery” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366552043112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Coupled with strengthening winds this could lead to drifting, making travelling conditions difficult over higher-level routes in particular.”
He went on to say: “We’ve currently issued a Yellow warning for snow covering a large part of England, Wales and southern Scotland to cater for possible disruption over the weekend, but it’s quite likely this will be refined over the coming days as confidence in the forecast increases.”
NEW YEAR’S CHAOS
It comes after revellers braved gale force winds and torrential rain as they hit the streets to celebrate New Year’s last night.
Today, London‘s New Year’s Day Parade was delayed due by half an hour due to high winds forecast.
Members of Ocean Springs High School Marching Band, who were set to participate, spotted huddled together in the cold.
Some railway lines running between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno have been closed over the New Year due to fallen trees on the line.
Gale force winds and heavy rain battered the region and 400 homes around Falmouth and Perranporth in Cornwall were hit by power cuts, in Devon 800 homes were initially affected but by lunch time that had been reduced to 179.
Cornish coastguards asked people not to take a dip in the sea during the dangerous weather conditions.
They urged beachgoers to suspend events because of the choppy seas around the coastline.
Hikers were told to take extra care when walking on cliff tops and paths because of the strong gusts which had battered the coastal overnight and into the morning.
Downpours have led to drivers being forced to abandon their vehicles with roads being completely flooded.
One driver in North Yorkshire had to escape from being caught in the overflow as water gushed into the interior and submerged all the seats.
In Stockport, a car was stranded with its boot left open after its owner made a quick getaway
Meanwhile, Wigan’s League One match against Huddersfield was axed over flooding, with the announcement made just before fans started making their way to the game.
Brick Community Stadium faced heavy wind and rain, leading to the match being scrapped amid dangerous weather.
[boxout headline=”How to stay safe in the snow” intro=”According to the Met Office, this is how best to prepare for oncoming snow”]Preparing to drive in snow:
- Plan your route, check for delays, and allow extra time.
- Check wipers, tyres, and screenwash.
- Pack essentials and ensure your phone is charged.
Driving safely in snow:
- Use dipped headlights and accelerate gently.
- Start in second gear to avoid wheel slip.
- Maintain a safe speed and distance.
- Use a low gear downhill and steer into skids.
Preparing for being cut off by snow:
- Gather essentials: torches, batteries, candles, matches/lighters, blankets, and warm clothing.
Staying safe if isolated by snow:
- Keep your thermostat steady and turn off heaters before bed.
- Ensure pets are comfortable and prevent frozen pipes.
- Wear layers of warm clothing and never use a hob or oven for heating.
- Call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651 if needed.
Coping with a power cut:
- Prepare with candles, matches/lighters, torches, batteries, and a phone power pack.
- Switch off appliances and leave a light on.
- Check on neighbours and wrap up warm.
- Use portable heaters if needed and call 105 for information.
