Met Office extends snow weather warnings as 600-mile ice blast freezes the UK

01 December 2023 , 10:18

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Met Office extends snow weather warnings as 600-mile ice blast freezes the UK

A 600-mile yellow weather warning for snow and ice has now been extended to remain in place until 10am tomorrow.

The Met Office says: "Wintry showers will affect North Sea coastal districts of England and Northern Scotland during Friday evening and overnight. These are likely to fall onto frozen surfaces in places allowing icy patches to form. Additionally, showers will fall as snow inland, with 1-2 cm possible in places, chiefly over hills."

The weather warning concerns areas as far south as Kent. Overnight, icy patches will develop in several regions, particularly those along the North Sea coast.

The Angel of the North statue in Gateshead covered in snow (PA)

The Met Office says Brits should expect;

• Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
• Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
• Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces

The hazards will remain until 10am tomorrow at the earliest, the Met Office says. Hilly areas, including the North York Moors and parts of Scotland will see more snow later, forecasters said. Snow swept across the South West, parts of Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland on Thursday.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

People in the snow today in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (PA)

Schools are closed today in some areas, including across County Durham and various regions in Scotland. The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions: the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber; until December 5, meaning "cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time". For those travelling on the roads this weekend, National Network Manager at National Highways, Dale Hipkiss, advised motorists to keep a winter kit in the car while driving.

"Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital in case you and your passengers become stranded," he said. "Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so please ... plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care."

Emma Purnell, a veterinary nurse at Nutravet, said: "Winter walks are a great way for them to experience the smells and sights of the season, as well as keeping their joints mobile." She did warn that "small breeds" and "senior pets" are more susceptible to the cold, so "an extra eye" should be kept on them, however.

Bradley Jolly