The United Kingdom is facing significant travel disruption as a severe cold snap brings widespread snow and ice, prompting the Met Office to issue a series of weather warnings, including an amber alert for parts of Scotland.
Widespread Warnings and Forecast Impacts
An amber weather warning for snow is now active for northern Scotland, including the Highlands and north-east, from midday on Friday, January 2nd, until noon on Saturday. This alert warns of potential power cuts, stranded vehicles, and blizzard conditions due to drifting snow.
Heavier and more frequent snow showers are expected within the amber zone, with accumulations of up to 20cm on low ground and potentially 40cm on higher terrain. This follows difficult conditions for motorists in the region on New Year's Day.
Separately, yellow warnings for snow and ice cover large swathes of England and Wales, including London, Greater Manchester, Cardiff, and Kent, valid until noon on Friday. A further yellow ice warning for south-west England was in place until 10am. These areas could see around 2cm of snow, with 5cm on higher ground.
Travel and Public Health Advice
The wintry conditions are expected to cause considerable travel problems as the weather moves south-eastwards. Police Scotland's head of road policing, Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, advised the public to consider if journeys are necessary and to allow extra time if travel is essential.
The AA estimated that 20.7 million car journeys were likely across the UK on January 2nd, increasing the risk of disruption. People have been urged to prepare for longer journey times by road, bus, and train.
Concurrently, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather alert for England until January 6th. Dr Paul Coleman warned that the low temperatures increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for older people and those with health conditions. The public is encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbours.
Extended Cold Spell Ahead
The Met Office has indicated that this cold spell is likely to persist into the weekend and next week, with further warnings possible. A spokesperson stated that temperatures will remain well below average, with snow showers continuing in places.
Northern Ireland also faced a yellow warning for ice between midnight and 10am on Friday, highlighting the extensive reach of the wintry conditions across the UK.
