Sunday, 6 Oct 2024

UK weather: Heavy snow hits parts of the UK as police warn drivers to take care

Heavy snow has hit parts of the UK today, including in the Midlands, as police warned people to take care due to delays on the roads.

There were reports of snow falling in counties including Gloucestershire and Worcestershire as well as in Birmingham, and lighter dustings as far south as Devon.

Gloucestershire Police tweeted: “Heavy snow is starting to fall in the rural parts of the county. This will cause delays on the roads. Only go out if it is essential to do so.

“We are receiving a number of reports of snow around the county causing disruption, particularly in the Forest of Dean and the A417 around Birdlip. Please stay safe and avoid all unnecessary travel.”

Snow and ice warnings are in place for much of the UK today, including in London, as a cold snap bites in the aftermath of Storm Bella.

It comes as around 100 flood warnings remain in force in England, along with about 180 less serious flood alerts.

Snow had already fallen in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, including in the Peak District in Derbyshire, by Sunday afternoon.

The Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” warning for snow and ice on Monday until 6pm across all of Wales and some parts of England from the Midlands, down towards the south coast.

Up to 5-10cm of snow is possible in some areas of higher ground.

The forecasters’ advice warns of the potential for injuries from icy surfaces and delays to trains and road transport.

The warning said: “An area of rain is likely to move south through Sunday night and Monday across parts of England and Wales. There is the potential for this to turn to snow for a time.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in where snow develops with some areas seeing little or no accumulations.

“However, there is a very low likelihood of 1-3cm, and locally 5-10cm falling in a few places, particularly over higher ground of Wales above 200 metres. As well as snow, widespread ice may also be an issue, especially where treatment has been washed off road surfaces.”

The chilly temperatures follow several days of extreme weather over the Christmas period, which saw severe flooding in parts of southern England before Storm Bella arrived on Boxing Day, with winds of more than 100mph.

Sky News weather presenter Steff Gaulter said: “The showers will continue across Ireland and western Britain on Monday, pushing across the south of England as well.

“Some places will see snow and everywhere will feel cold, particularly in the brisk winds in the west.

“Eastern areas will see the best of the sunshine, but even here a few showers are likely to graze the coast at times.”

Further into the week and towards the New Year, the Met Office says conditions will remain cold with sunshine and the possibility of wintry showers.

As of 9am on Monday, around 100 flood warnings remained in place across England calling for immediate action as flooding was expected, alongside 177 flood alerts.

There were also several flood warnings and alerts in Wales.

Parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire have been badly affected, with some people forced to evacuate their homes due to the floods.

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