Brits braced for weekend ‘snowmageddon’ with 15in snow drifts anticipated to spark journey chaos
Planning a trip this weekend – You might want to think again, according to Met Office weather experts, you’re better off staying home under a blanket
Britain is braced for a blizzard weekend with travel chaos expected and “risk to life” alerts for 15in (40cm) of snow.
The Met Office has upgraded weather warnings from yellow to amber in parts of the UK, amid fears residents could face power cuts and vehicles getting stranded.
Up to 8in (20cm) of snow could build up on lower ground, with more than a foot expected at higher altitudes.
Amber warnings for snow and ice have been in place in parts of northern Scotland since noon on Friday, January 2, with wintry conditions likely to continue until at least Monday.
The Met Office said: “Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times.
“The area and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.”
“Windy conditions will also result in some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions.”
Yellow warnings are in place until 10am on Saturday, January 3, for an area covering London, Greater Manchester and Cardiff. Up to 2in (5cm) of snow is expected on higher ground, as the icy blast moves southeastward over England and Wales.
Travellers have been urged to prepare for longer drive times, as well as delays to bus and train services. The AA predicted a surge in traffic yesterday, with 20.7million vehicles on the road after a quieter New Year’s Day.
A Met Office spokeswoman continued: “We expect this cold spell to persist into the weekend and on into next week, with further warnings possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings across England for the start of the year, which are in place until 10am on January 6.
It means the weather is “likely” to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including a “rise in deaths” among those with health conditions or aged 65 or over, the agency explained.
Dr Paul Coleman, consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said: “The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days.
“Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions.
“Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.”
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