Due to the snow, travel delays, stranded vehicles and power cuts are all likely again today and rural communities could be cut off, especially across parts of Lancashire, Cumbria and the Lake District
A “danger to life” warning for snow has been extended into today – with more delays on railways and at airports expected.
An additional 5-10 cm of snow is believed to have fallen overnight across parts of Northeast England, Northwest England and Yorkshire and Humber. Snow has drifted in the strong north-easterly winds and will continue to present hazards throughout the day.
The Met Office says some rural communities will be cut off, power cuts are possible and there may be even disruption to mobile phone coverage across Lancashire, Cumbria and the Lake District today.
But travel, especially during morning rush hour, remains the primary concern. The Met Office says: “It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe.
“Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are expected. Travel delays on roads (are expected), stranding some vehicles and passengers.”
Further warnings, albeit less severe, are in place for snow, ice and rain. Some of these don’t stop until midday, as icy stretches are likely to develop quite widely. These will make for some difficult travelling conditions, particularly across Northeast England and Yorkshire.
The amber warning, however, was due to expire last night but has been extended to 6am today because further snow was forecast. It has moved in from the west and, overnight, has been heaviest on hilly ground across the Lake District.
Speaking last night, Met Office Chief forecaster Frank Saunders, said: “We’re seeing snow accumulations building in the expected areas covered by the Amber warning and there will be further snowfall over the higher ground in northern England throughout today, probably turning heavier again this evening. Cold conditions in Scotland will continue, with snow showers in many coastal areas, and more persistent snow for a time in the southeast.
“With mild air now across much of the southern half of the UK, rain is the main hazard here, which alongside snow melt could cause some localised flooding impacts. Yellow warnings for rain have been issued or updated, covering Wales, Cheshire, Manchester, the north Midlands and towards the Humber and, separately, for southern England.”
