A significant cold snap is sweeping across the UK, bringing with it widespread snow and ice. As of Friday, some areas have already recorded around 10cm of snowfall, and conditions are expected to worsen over the weekend.
Widespread Weather Alerts
The Met Office has issued numerous weather warnings, including amber alerts for snow in northern Scotland, valid until midday on Saturday. Yellow warnings for snow and ice are in effect for much of the country, extending into Monday. Areas covered by the amber warnings include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands.
Travel disruptions are already being reported. Several snow gates have been closed in Scotland, halting traffic on the A93 Braemar-Glenshee, A939 Tomintoul-Cockbridge, B974 Cairn O’Mount-Fettercairn, and Bealach na Ba. Highland Council has also reported campervans and cars becoming stuck on icy roads in tourist areas, advising caution for motorists.
Potential for Blizzard Conditions
The Met Office warns that 10-20cm of snow is likely at lower elevations, with up to 30-40cm possible in higher areas. Winds accompanying the snowfall could create temporary blizzard conditions. The east coast of England is forecast to experience these blizzard-like conditions on Saturday and Monday. Northern Ireland is also under a yellow alert for snow and ice, beginning Friday afternoon and lasting until midday Monday.
Authorities are preparing for potential impacts on transportation, with longer journey times expected. Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are possible, as are power outages. Police Scotland’s head of road policing, Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, urged drivers to avoid traveling through road closures, emphasizing that these decisions are made with public safety in mind.
Health Concerns
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber warnings, remaining in effect until 10am on January 9th, for a wide range of regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, and London. These alerts indicate a likelihood of significant impacts on health and social care services, and a potential increase in deaths among individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those aged 65 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under amber snow warnings?
Amber snow warnings are currently in place for Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands in northern Scotland, and are valid until midday on Saturday.
What is the forecast for the east coast of England?
The east coast of England is expected to be hit by blizzardy conditions on Saturday and Monday.
What is the UKHSA warning about?
The UKHSA has issued amber warnings indicating the cold 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.
As the cold snap continues, it remains crucial to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and heed the advice of local authorities. How will you prepare for the continued cold weather and potential disruptions to daily life?
