The Met Office has issued a rare warning for thundersnow, a phenomenon where thunderstorms produce heavy snowfall, as an Arctic cold snap continues to grip Britain. Temperatures have plunged to -11C in some areas, with up to 10 inches of snow expected in parts of Yorkshire.
An amber weather warning for snow and ice will come into force overnight, covering the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds from 3am until 9pm tomorrow. Up to 25cm of snow could accumulate in these areas, while yellow warnings are in place across East Anglia, South West England, Wales, North East England, northern Scotland and Northern Ireland.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), providing extra accommodation for homeless people as temperatures drop to 0C. Last winter, SWEP was in place for 22 nights, housing more than 2,000 people. In Scotland, dozens of schools and nurseries have closed due to the weather, including 20 in Highland Council area.
Thundersnow occurs when thunderstorms form in wintry conditions, bringing heavy snow. The lightning appears brighter as it reflects off snowflakes, while thunder is muffled and can only be heard within two to three miles. The Met Office expects further wintry showers on northern, eastern and western coasts, with 7cm of snow recorded in Powys, Wales, and similar amounts in the Scottish Highlands.
A Met Office spokesman said: 'We will continue to see wintry showers on the windward coasts. It'll be brighter and drier in central inland areas.' The front that brought snow to the Midlands and southern England has cleared south, but further wintry showers are expected through the day.
