The United Kingdom is on alert for a dual assault of ice and heavy snow, with widespread warnings in force ahead of an approaching storm. An entrenched Arctic air mass has already plunged temperatures to as low as -12.5°C, coating parts of the country in ice, with a more significant snow event expected to arrive later in the week.
Nationwide Ice Alerts and Arctic Chill
The Met Office has issued yellow ice warnings for most of the UK, including Northern Ireland, for Wednesday morning. This follows a plunge in temperatures, with rural Scotland expecting lows of -6°C overnight. On Tuesday, Marham in Norfolk recorded a frigid -12.5°C.
Forecaster Marco Petagna urged the public to exercise caution. "Be careful of slippery surfaces and potential for injuries," he said. "Icy patches could affect untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths. Just be aware that away from major highways, conditions could be treacherous for a time on Wednesday morning."
The Met Office has advised people travelling on Wednesday to check road conditions and public transport timetables, amending plans if necessary.
Storm Goretti's Snow Threat and Wind Warnings
The icy conditions are a prelude to a more severe weather system moving in from northern France. Named Storm Goretti by Météo-France, it is forecast to bring significant snow to a large part of England and Wales.
A yellow warning for snow will be active from 6pm on Thursday until midday Friday, covering areas including Sheffield, Peterborough, Bath, Worcester, and much of Wales. The Met Office stated that snow will likely develop over higher ground in south Wales late Thursday, before rain turns to snow more widely overnight.
Accumulations of 5-10cm are expected widely, with some areas potentially seeing up to 20cm. Concurrently, a yellow wind warning for Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly will run from 3pm Thursday until just before midnight, threatening further disruption in the southwest.
Widespread Disruption and Support Measures
The severe conditions are already causing major problems, particularly in Scotland. Aberdeenshire Council has declared a major incident due to heavy snow, warning that rural communities face being cut off and that power cuts are possible. Schools in the region will remain closed for a third day on Wednesday.
Transport networks are feeling the strain. LNER has advised passengers not to travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen until Friday at the earliest, while ScotRail has cancelled or disrupted several services in the Highlands.
The government has activated the Cold Weather Payment scheme, providing £25 to eligible households in 451 postcode areas across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This support, designed to help elderly and vulnerable people with heating costs, has been triggered on five separate days so far, with some households in Cumbria and Northumberland qualifying for a £50 payout.
Furthermore, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its amber cold health alerts for England until Sunday, warning that the adverse temperatures are likely to impact health and social care services.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson offered advice to drivers, stating: "The key is allowing more time at every stage of the journey... Never use hot water on a frozen windscreen. Carry a decent scraper and ensure you have screen wash that protects down to at least minus 10 degrees."
