UK climate: Public urged to take ‘extra care’ as heavy snow and ice sweeps nation | EUROtoday

Yellow climate warnings for heavy snow and ice stay in impact throughout a lot of the UK, with forecasters urging the general public to train “extra care” on roads. An ongoing flood danger additionally prompts continued vigilance from authorities.

Saturday is about to be a chilly, sunny day for many, as Arctic maritime air sweeps throughout the nation, in accordance with the Met Office. A yellow warning for ice covers Wales and central and southern England, energetic from Friday night till Saturday morning. Icy surfaces may result in tough journey circumstances and potential “some injuries” from slips and falls.

Further north, components of northeast England and northern Scotland are below a snow and ice warning, which started Friday afternoon and lasts till Saturday morning. Another yellow warning for snow and ice, stretching from Derby to Scotland, will take impact on Saturday night by means of to Sunday morning.

The Met Office anticipates snow in these areas may very well be “heavy at times,” resulting in “some disruption to travel.” Accumulations of “1-3cm (of snow) will be possible at low levels, with 3-7cm possible above about 150m elevation, and perhaps 10-15cm above 400m.” Northern Ireland additionally faces an ice warning till Saturday morning.

Met Office chief forecaster Rebekah Hicks warned: “Snow is likely ahead of the rain across northern England and Scotland and could reach lower levels at times on Saturday night into Sunday. The snow will gradually turn to rain as the front moves east across the country on Sunday.

The rain may be heavy at times and it will be windy in coastal areas. Additional warnings may be required. We encourage the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any warnings that may be issued.”

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has referred to as for continued “vigilance” resulting from persistent flood dangers, with 75 flood warnings and 151 flood alerts presently energetic. Jonathan Day, flood responsibility supervisor, said: “With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding.

So far, more than 24,000 homes and business have been protected but sadly around 330 have suffered flooding and our thoughts are with those communities affected. Our teams will continue to do all they can to support local people, with pumps, temporary barriers and by clearing waterways to ensure flood water can drain away.”

Floods minister Emma Hardy added: “Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected, and I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.”