The UK is on alert for its first major cold spell of the season, as the Met Office has issued a series of weather warnings for snow and ice set to affect large parts of the country.
Widespread Warnings for Snow and Ice
A blanket of yellow weather warnings for snow and ice is currently in force across a vast swathe of the UK. These alerts cover Northern Ireland, much of Scotland, north-east England, Yorkshire, Wales, and south-west England. The warnings have varying start and end times, remaining active from Tuesday through to Thursday.
Adding a more serious tone to the forecast, an amber warning for snow has been issued for parts of Yorkshire on Thursday. This higher-level alert anticipates significant snow accumulations of 15-25cm on hills above 100 metres.
Potential for Significant Disruption
The amber warning indicates a high likelihood of substantial disruption to daily life. The Met Office warns that the heavy snow could lead to lengthy travel delays, power cuts, and the potential for rural communities to become cut off.
According to Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong, the cause is a plunge of cold Arctic air, which he describes as the "first notable cold snap of this autumn." Temperatures are forecast to drop sharply, with the potential to fall as low as -11°C in rural parts of Scotland.
Official Advice for the Public
In response to the impending severe conditions, National Highways is urging drivers to prepare for winter weather. They advise motorists to check their vehicles thoroughly and plan their journeys in advance. Gritting teams are already in operation across the road network to combat the ice.
The public is encouraged to stay updated with the latest Met Office forecasts and travel advice from local authorities to ensure their safety during this period of adverse weather.
