Heavy snowfall is causing significant disruptions across the UK, with potential power cuts and road closures. The Met Office has issued several yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice. Scotland, particularly eastern regions such as Inverness and Aberdeen, is anticipated to face the most severe conditions.
An amber warning is in effect from 3 pm on Tuesday, predicting up to 15 cm of snow, which could lead to stranded drivers, isolated rural communities, and potential disruptions to rail and air travel. Mobile phone coverage and power supply may also be affected.
Yellow warnings are in place for Wales, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, the north-west, south-western Scotland, and Northern Ireland for Wednesday.
Amber and Yellow Warnings Issued as Heavy Snow and Freezing Temperatures Lead to Road Closures, Power Outages, and Flooding Risks Across the CountryOn Tuesday, the public was advised to travel only if necessary. Avon and Somerset police reported over 100 road-related incidents in just five hours, including 53 collisions between 6-11 pm on Monday, largely due to the freezing conditions. A serious incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a double-decker bus with 70 passengers overturned on the A39 in Somerset, resulting in numerous injuries.
The Met Office noted that Monday night was the coldest of the year so far, with temperatures dropping to -9.8°C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire. Cold weather is expected to persist across England until 9 am on Friday. Chief meteorologist Jason Kelly warned of ongoing cold, icy, and snowy conditions throughout the week, with particularly harsh weather in northern England.
The UK Health Security Agency has urged people to keep warm and protect vulnerable individuals from the cold.
The Environment Agency is focused on flood prevention, with over 25 warnings in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire, and 83 warnings across England, including potential flooding in East Sussex, the Isle of Wight, and other south-eastern areas. Rivers in the West Midlands and north-east England are expected to remain high, posing further flood risks.