UK snow chaos as cars cut off in 'mountain of traffic' – WHITEOUT closes major road
BLANKETS of snow have covered roads in parts of northern England, with drivers facing travel chaos, new pictures show.
Met Office forecasts wintry conditions with snow possible
The newly released pictures show snow smothering a roundabout on the A69 Corbridge bypass, near Hexham, Northumberland. The Met Office has issued snow, ice and wind warnings across the UK for Tuesday. Yellow snow and ice warnings have also been issued for parts of northern Scotland, such as Inverness and Aberdeen, which is in place from midnight on Tuesday to 9am on Wednesday. Frequent snow showers are expected throughout the day, which could lead to travel disruption, the Met Office has warned. A yellow wind warning has also been issued for parts of northern Scotland, which is in place from 10am to 11:59pm on Tuesday and could see delays to road, air and ferry transport. In northern England, a yellow ice warning is in place from 2am to 11am on Tuesday.
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Additional reporting by Olivia Stringer
KEY EVENTS
Temperatures dip to -5 on Tuesday
Temperatures dipped to -5.6 degrees on Tuesday in Shap, Cumbria.
Today has been characterised by extremes, with temperatures peaking at a comparatively warm 9.9 in Jersey only a few hours earlier.
Britons can expect temperatures to drop as the week continues, with -9 predicted later in the week.
Tuesday's weather extremes...
\u2014 BBC Weather (@bbcweather) January 4, 2022
Warmest: Jersey 9.9\u00b0C
Coldest (day): Albemarle (Northumberland) 0.2\u00b0C
Coldest (night): Shap (Cumbria) -5.6\u00b0C
Wettest: Altnaharra (Highland) 12.8 mm
Sunniest: Threave (Dumfries & Galloway) 6.1 hours pic.twitter.com/LfdQ3MptAx
UK snow forecast: Winter storm to blast UK with -9C freeze – up to 10CM of snow to strike
Temperatures are set to plunge to a blistering -9 degrees in the UK this week as millions brace for up to 10 centimeters of snow.
Two yellow weather warnings are in effect from the Met Office on Wednesday, with north Scotland issued one for snow and ice, and Northern Ireland issued one for ice.
Maps and charts also show conditions are set to worsen over the week, as an icy blast grips Britain.
On Thursday morning parts of Scotland could see up to 10cm of snow on the ground.
Alastair Campbell captures Commando Memorial in the snow
Alastair Campbell has captured a video of the "impressive" Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, Scotland in a flurry of snow.
The statue is dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II.
The former-aide to Tony Blair commented: "The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, always impressive, even more so in the snow."
The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, always impressive, even more so in the snow pic.twitter.com/kCBYswQ8gn
\u2014 ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) January 4, 2022
Cold weather is bad for your health, warns Met Office
The Met Office has urged people to stay warm in freezing conditions as cold weather is bad for your health.
The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
So it is all the more important to ensure your home and the homes of people you look out for are the right temperature.
Scottish road 'stranded' with lorries amid harsh snowfall
A gritter appeared to be 'stranded' alongside a number of HGVs on the busy A9 on Tuesday.
Twitter user Peter Maclean noted the "challenging conditions" which appear to have halted several large vehicles.
Police shut down the A9 temporarily at Drumossie at around 2:30pm, because vehicles had become stuck nearby.
Heading down drumossie Brae into Inverness pic.twitter.com/KSy5YxVDXm
\u2014 Peter MacLean #TakeCare (@duartlodge) January 4, 2022
Plan ahead! urge police ahead of heavy snowfall
Nithsdale Police, Scotland, has urged people living in the area to plan ahead if they need to travel on Friday as the area will be under a yellow weather warning.
The weather warning, cautioning snow and ice, will be in place from midnight Thursday to 10am on Friday morning.
Yellow warning for #Snow for our area on Friday. Plan ahead if you are travelling. Follow @trafficscotland @SWTrunkRoads for road issues. https://t.co/2oRh9G0jUI
\u2014 Nithsdale Police (@NithsdalePolice) January 4, 2022
What to expect in a yellow snow weather warning:
Frequent snow showers and icy stretches are expected across Scotland and parts of northern England which could lead to some travel disruption, particularly for higher routes.
Difficult driving conditions are to be expected at times on higher routes.
Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces are also likely.
People venturing out should beware of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
Meanwhile, some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
Snow continuing to fall in Scotland
This weather map illustrates where snow is falling across the UK.
The most severely affected area is Scotland which is currently experiencing up to three centimeters of snowfall each hour, according to the map.
Northern Ireland and Wales are also experiencing flurries which are likely to continue into the night.
What to expect with a yellow ice weather warning:
There is currently a yellow weather warning cautioning ice across Northern Ireland, which will be in place until 9am Wednesday morning.
The Met Office warns that icy stretches could lead to some travel disruption.
People should also take extra care in icy conditions as slips and falls are more likely.
Keep an eye out for icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
New yellow weather warning issued
Another yellow weather warning has been issued cautioning ice in Northern Ireland.
The yellow alert for ice in Northern Ireland came into force at 5pm and runs until 9am on Wednesday.
It covers County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone.
The Met Office warned the icy conditions could lead to some travel disruption and urged those venturing outside to take extra care.
Yellow weather warning issued
\u2014 Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2022
Ice across much of Northern Ireland
1700 Tuesday \u2013 0900 Wednesday
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/jqQIQcW6Y1
Live weather map shows snowfall across UK
This live weather map, courtesy of Windy.com, shows where snow is falling across the country in real time.
Currently, Scotland, Liverpool and Northern Wales are experiencing the fiercest snowfall.
There is an active yellow weather warning in Scotland cautioning snow and ice which is set to remain through tonight and into Wednesday morning.
Why is it snowing in some areas and raining in others?
Snow, rain and sleet have all featured heavily across the UK today.
Where you live will dictate which of the three you will have experienced today.
BBC Weather's Ben Rich has explained why.
Everything which comes from the clouds starts off as snow, but as it moves into warmer air it melts and becomes rain.
The height where this occurred is referred to as the freezing level.
When cold air from the Arctic or Siberia moves across the UK, the freezing level lowers and if it comes right down to the ground then you will see snow.
This helps to explain why snow can often be seen on higher ground, whereas lower levels see rain.
A mix of #snow #rain & #sleet in places so far today.#UKWeather
\u2014 BBC Weather (@bbcweather) January 4, 2022
Ben Rich explains why it\u2019s a fine balance between which of the three you may see pic.twitter.com/ifTFz4QKqS
The UK regions WORST hit by soaring energy prices - is YOUR area one of them?
As freezing temperatures batter Britain, many are reaching for the heating.
But soaring energy costs mean this is a more expensive endeavour in some areas than others - is your area amongst the worst affected by rising energy costs?
Families in some parts of the UK are being forced to pay 66 percent more of their weekly budget on heating compared with their counterparts in the capital.
The research, conducted by heating experts Boiler Central, used ONS data on household gas and electricity spending between 2018 and 2020, to discover which UK area would be worst affected by the hike in energy costs.
They found households in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern England are forced to spend the largest cut of their weekly budgets on gas and electricity.
It comes as average UK household gas bills rose by 28.1 percent and electricity bills 18.8 percent in the year to October.
The area least impacted by rising electricity costs was London, where residents spend the least amount of their weekly budget on heating their homes.
Long-range weather forecast: changeable conditions
The long-range forecast between Friday January 7 and Sunday January 16 is characterised by unsettled conditions.
Sunshine, showers, snow and hail will all make an appearance away from the coasts.
Conditions will be windy for all, with the strongest gales in the west.
A pattern of low pressure will keep conditions changeable with spells of wet and windy weather, however these are interspersed by drier, brighter periods.
It will likely be wettest in the west and northwest, with the driest conditions in the east and southeast.
Overall, temperatures are expected to be near to average, although some temporary colder periods interspersed.
Yorkshire moors capped with snow
The Yorkshire Moors, East Yorkshire, have been capped with snow after a blistering cold day.
The temperature has hovered around 0 degrees in the area for much of the day, dipping below freezing occasionally.
@WeatherWolds has shared this photo of the vast, chilly landscape.
Snow on the Moors. -1\u00b0C and magical skies. Grouse pic.twitter.com/VOUzFduhGD
\u2014 Yorkshire Wolds Weather (@WeatherWolds) January 4, 2022
Good afternoon
Good afternoon from London. I’m Tara Fair, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on snow and difficult weather conditions for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: Tara.fair@reachplc.com
Twitter: @TaraFair_
View from space captures UK snow
This view from space captures snow over the higher ground across northern England.
The latest view from space clearly captures the #snow over the higher ground across northern England \u2744\ufe0f pic.twitter.com/CPX94hfqQI
\u2014 Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2022
More pictures of snowy Northumberland
Here are some more beautiful pictures of snowy Northumberland.
These pictures show the front and back views of Beaufront Castle near Hexham.
The front and back views of Beaufront Castle near Hexham #Northumberland surrounded by #uksnow capped trees #weather @StormHour @PA @snowwatchGB pic.twitter.com/ZMcWEksmrP
\u2014 Owen Humphreys (@owenhumphreys1) January 4, 2022
Northerly winds to make UK feel icy cold this afternoon
The Met Office has warned that northerly winds will make the UK seem colder than it actually is this afternoon.
Temperatures will feel below zero in parts of northern England and Scotland.
A northerly wind will make it feel even colder than the thermometer suggests this afternoon - extra layers needed \ud83e\udde4 pic.twitter.com/RLud9BgEYT
\u2014 Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2022
Images of snow and slush on Aberdeenshire roads
This tweet shows pictures of snow and slush on Aberdeenshire roads. According to this Twitter account, major roads in Aberdeenshire have been undergoing winter maintenance treatment since 5:30 am.
\u2744\ufe0fSnow & slush\u2744\ufe0fon roads, please drive with care. Major roads have been undergoing winter maintenance treatment since 5:30am @Aberdeenshire #ABZTravel pic.twitter.com/tBdcAf3MFS
\u2014 Aberdeenshire Roads (@AbshireRoads) January 4, 2022
What to put in your winter car kit
The Met Office has urged drivers to pack a winter car kit to make sure they don't get caught out in wintry conditions.
It advises drivers to make sure they pack:
- An ice scraper
- A torch
- An in-car phone charger
- Warm clothes and blankets
- High visibility clothing
- A shovel
-Jump leads
Sleet and snow showers in the north and west of UK
The Met Office has warned of sleet and snow showers across northern and western parts of the UK this afternoon.
It also warns of particularly windy conditions in Scotland.
Sunny conditions are expected elsewhere in the UK.
#Rain clearing southeast England this afternoon \ud83c\udf27\ufe0f#Sunshine elsewhere, but #sleet and #snow showers in the north and west \u2744\ufe0f
\u2014 Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2022
Very windy across northern Scotland in particular \ud83d\udca8
Felling #cold \ud83e\udde3 pic.twitter.com/Mr8H8C44ia
Footage of snow in County Durham
This footage shows blankets of snow covering the village of Castleside in County Durham.
The footage was taken last night.
Wintry conditions are expected to continue across northern parts of England and Scotland for the remainder of the day.
The sound of #snow under your feet #uksnow pic.twitter.com/prayVdqBhf
\u2014 WX Polls Uk (@WXpollsUK) January 3, 2022
Strong winds and snow showers expected across Scotland for the rest of the day
The Met Office has warned that strong winds and snow showers are expected across northern England for the rest of Tuesday.
It has warned that there will be 60-70mph gusts, which could possibly be stronger in possibly stronger in Orkney and Caithness.
The Met Office has stated that this could lead to some tricky travelling conditions.
Strong winds are expected across northern Scotland through the rest of today
\u2014 Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2022
60-70 mph gusts, possibly stronger for a time for Orkney and Caithness
The strong winds combined with heavy #snow showers will lead to some very tricky travelling conditions
Stay #WeatherAware \u26a0\ufe0f pic.twitter.com/aHGjS7pu9R
Snow and Ice warning issued for Friday
The Met Office has just issued a snow and ice warning for Friday, January 7.
The warning is in place from midnight to am and covers parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Northern England.
The Met Office has warned that frequent sleet and snow showers may lead to travel disruption on Friday morning.
Blankets of snow cover northern England
These, pictures which were taken on Tuesday morning, show blankets of snow in Northumberland.
In the first picture, snow is covering a roundabout on the A69 Corbridge bypass, near Hexham.
Weather warnings are in place across parts of Scotland and northern England on Tuesday.
Met Office snow and ice warnings as drivers face travel chaos TODAY
Ice, snow and wind warnings have been issued across parts of Scotland and northern England on Tuesday, with drivers warned of potential travel chaos.
The Met Office has issued a yellow snow and ice warning for parts of northern Scotland, such as Inverness and Aberdeen, which is in place from midnight on Tuesday to 9am on Wednesday.
Frequent snow showers are expected throughout the day, which could lead to travel disruption, the Met Office has warned.
A yellow wind warning has also been issued for parts of northern Scotland, which is in place from 10am to 11:59pm on Tuesday and could see delays to road, air and ferry transport.
In northern England, a yellow ice warning is in place from 2am to 11am on Tuesday.
Wind warning in place for northern parts of Scotland
The Met Office has issued a wind warning for parts of northern Scotland.
The warning is in place from 10 am to 23:59 today.
Delays to road, air and ferry transport can be expected and there may be some loss of power.
Snow and ice warning issued for parts of northern Scotland
A snow and ice warning has been issued for parts of northern Scotland.
The warning is in place from midnight on Tuesday until 9 am on Wednesday.
Frequent snow showers and icy stretches are expected, which could lead to travel disruption.
Yellow ice warning issued for parts of northern England
The Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning for parts of northern England, such as Newcastle and Manchester.
The warning is in place from 2 am to 11 am on Tuesday.
The Met Office has warned that some injuries may occur from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
It also warned of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
Snow, ice and strong winds to affect Scotland on Tuesday
The Met Office has reported that snow, ice and strong winds will affect Scotland on Tuesday.
It will be cold and frosty across Northern Ireland and northern England and elsewhere in the UK cloudy and damp conditions can be expected.
#Snow and #ice along with strong winds across Scotland this Tuesday morning \u2744\ufe0f
\u2014 Met Office (@metoffice) January 3, 2022
Cold and #frosty for Northern Ireland and northern England \ud83e\udde3
Cloudy and damp across the rest of England and Wales \ud83c\udf27\ufe0f pic.twitter.com/1GG9ynQfCE
Track the latest weather conditions
Track the latest snow and ice with this interactive live weather map.
In parts of Northern Scotland, there have been up to 13.8cm of snow.
Footage of snow over North Yorkshire Dales
Here is some footage of snow over the North Yorkshire Dales, taken last night. Icy and snowy conditions are expected to continue across parts of the UK throughout Tuesday.
Heavy accumulating #uksnow over the North York Dales this evening!
\u2014 Met4CastUK (@Met4CastUK) January 3, 2022
\ud83d\udcf8 North Yorkshire Weather Updates pic.twitter.com/h2aGTEMTZs
Good morning
Good morning, I'm Olivia Stringer and I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the weather, for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: olivia.stringer@reachplc.com
Twitter: @Livstringer_