The Met Office has issued a new amber weather alert for significant and continuous snowfall, advising six regions to stock up on necessary supplies.
The snow warning, encompassing sections of central and eastern Scotland, will be in effect from 3 am until 2 pm tomorrow. This warning coincides with a broader yellow alert for both ice and snow, impacting 51 areas in Scotland and northern England. The amber caution advises against driving in these conditions and recommends preparing torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essentials.
According to the Met Office, a snow band will move in from Sunday morning, with snow accumulation expected to range from 2cm to 5cm at lower levels, 10cm to 15cm above 150 meters, and 20cm to 30cm above 300 meters. The forecast also notes that strong winds may cause snow drifting and blizzard conditions, potentially leading to deep drifts.
The affected regions include Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, East Midlands, North East England, North West England, Orkney & Shetland, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber.
In the UK’s Sunday forecast, the Met Office predicts wet and windy weather, with a snow spell in the north and a possibility of ice due to freezing rain. Coastal gales are expected to strengthen, while the west will experience milder conditions.
Meanwhile, a yellow ice warning remains in place until midday today for London, South East England, East Midlands, East of England, North West England, South West England, West Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber, and Wales. It alerts to the risk of partially thawed snow refreezing, freezing fog, and wintry showers leading to icy surfaces and an increased risk of slips and falls.
Additionally, a separate yellow snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland, in place from 5 pm yesterday until 11 am today, anticipates icy patches and hill snow.