Yellow warning with “probability” of travel disruptions and power outages

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning, with travel chaos expected due to snow and ice.

Forecasters say there’s a “good chance” of travel disruption with possible power outages.

The new warning – which affects the north of England – follows a series of yellow warnings across the country.

The Met Office’s chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong has warned of “treacherous” travel conditions.

He said: “As the northerly airflow and cold conditions that have dominated our weather for the last few days come to an end, there is a strong mix of wintry hazards on Sunday which has resulted in multiple warnings being issued.

“As this milder air moves north from the south, there is a sustained chance of snow across the north of the UK, even at low altitudes.

“Freezing rain, which is a relatively rare phenomenon in the UK, is likely to hit areas near the Pennines, causing some power disruptions and travel disruption.

“Within the Amber Warning Area, freezing rain could result in 2-3mm of ice build-up on untreated surfaces, likely resulting in treacherous travel conditions and road closures.”

A “prolonged period” of freezing rain is expected to sweep through the region on Sunday.

A Level 3 Cold Weather Alert is also in force from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the whole of England and is currently valid until midnight on Sunday.

Conditions are expected to remain unsettled next week, with some high winds and prolonged rainy spells.

A yellow rain warning has also been issued for much of south and south west England and south Wales.

The warning is in effect from late Sunday to early Tuesday, with more than 150mm of rain possible on Dartmoor at higher elevations, but 30 to 80mm within the warning zone.

Peter Jenkins, Director of Campaigns at Water UK, said: “The recent freezing weather has been very disruptive for many people.

“The last thing we want is for people to experience more disruption this weekend as temperatures rise, leaving many homes at risk of bursting pipes due to freezes and thaws.

“So we’re urging everyone to check now that their water lines are well insulated and follow our simple tips to protect homes from the elements.”

“If you are concerned about the effects of freeze and thaw or the cold weather, we recommend that you contact your water utility for further help and advice.”

dr Agostinho Sousa, Public Health Medicine Advisor at UKHSA, added: “Cold weather can have serious health consequences and the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions may be particularly at risk.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. In rooms that you primarily use, such as living room or bedroom, should be heated to at least 18 °C if possible. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

“Wearing multiple layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one heavier layer.”

Glasgow Airport was closed on Friday until its runaways were cleared of snow and ice. It reopened around 11:30 a.m.

Temperatures dropped as low as -13.5C overnight in some areas.

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