Major snow warnings hit UK today with up to 40cm and travel disruption

Police urged motorists to consider if their journey was really necessary during the bad weather (Andrew Milligan/PA) Andrew Milligan

The UK faces widespread weather warnings for snow and ice on Friday, with the Met Office issuing amber alerts for northern Scotland and yellow warnings covering large parts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Health authorities have warned the severe cold spell could lead to a rise in deaths among vulnerable populations.

The Met Office issued amber snow warnings for northern Scotland beginning at midday Friday and lasting until Saturday noon. Forecasters expect these areas to see the heaviest snowfall of the current cold spell, with accumulations of up to 40cm on higher ground and 20cm at lower levels. The weather service warned of "temporary blizzard conditions" due to strong winds.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover England and Wales from midnight until noon Friday, with Northern Ireland under similar warnings from midnight to 10am. Most areas can expect around two cm of snow, though higher ground could see up to five cm. London faced a 62 percent probability of snow showers on the evening of January 1.

Health and Travel Impact

The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for England until January 6, warning that low temperatures are "likely" to significantly impact health and social care services. Dr Paul Coleman, consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said: "[...] 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. [...]"

The Met Office expects major travel disruption, with potential for power cuts and stranded vehicles in the worst-affected areas. 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 [...]"

Safety Advice

Police Scotland's head of road policing, Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, urged caution: "Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. [...]"

The Met Office has advised motorists in 108 areas to carry essential items including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper, warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger.

Coleman emphasized the importance of community support: "[...] It is therefore important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable."

The cold spell will persist into next week, with the Met Office warning that "[...] further warnings are possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places."

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).