UK weather – live: Heavy snow across Scotland as gusts reach 92mph and rainy weekend ahead
Up to four inches could cover parts of Scotland ahead of ‘severe frost’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Heavy snow and rainfall are continuing to hit Scotland and Northern Ireland as most weather warnings issued by the Met Office have been lifted.
Northern areas of Scotland are expected to continue to see heavy showers, some of them wintry, on Thursday and commuters have been warned that road and rail journeys could be affected.
Strong, gale-force winds are also sweeping the UK, with gusts reaching up to 92mph in Scotland this morning while the northeast of England is likely to see severe gales particularly in coastal parts of Northumberland, the Met Office said.
For the rest of the weekend, the whole of the UK is likely to see widespread showers and strong winds continuing into next week, according to the Met Office’s 10-day forecast.
Drivers have been advised to remain cautious while travelling as dangerous conditions continue.
Flood alert for Severn Vyrnwy confluence still in place
A flood alert for the River Severn Vyrnwy confluence is still in place due to heavy rainfall over the weekend, the Environment Agency said in an update.
River levels at the Cae Howel river gauge are high but steady, it said.
Low-lying roads and walkways adjacent to the river from the Welsh border at Llawnt to Shrawardine near Shrewsbury are expected to be affected, and drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid such areas.
Other locations that may be affected include Llanymynech, Maesbrook and Melverley, the Agency said.
It said: “River levels are high but steady at the Cae Howel river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall over the weekend. Consequently the risk of flooding remains.
“We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the river from the Welsh border at Llawnt to Shrawardine near Shrewsbury. Other locations that may be affected include Llanymynech, Maesbrook and Melverley.
“Llanymynech peaked at 4.3m on Sunday, 06/02/22. The level at Cae Howel is currently 3.49m and falling slowly and at Maesbrook 0.4m and steady.
We are closely monitoring the situation.
“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”
Strong winds across eastern Scotland and northeast England
Strong winds are likely to continue across eastern Scotland today as the northeast of England is also expected to be hit by strong gales, the Met Office said.
Mostly sunshine across England and Wales
Despite some clouds to begin with, the majority of England and Wales will see some sunshine today while Northern Ireland and Scotland remain rainy and snowy.
The Met Office shares advice for driving safely in the rain
With wide-spread rainy conditions expected over the weekend, the Met Office has shared some safety tips for drivers.
The Met Office tweeted: “Take care as heavy #rain, spray and flooding may cause some difficult driving conditions over the weekend .”
In a video, the Met Office shared three tips for driving safely in the rain.
Tip 1: Use dipped headlights if visibility is reduced
Tip 2: Increase your gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front
Tip 3: Gusts of winds can unsettle vehicles - grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands
Strongest winds move across Scotland with low pressure
As an area of low pressure is carrying the strongest winds east across Scotland, with gusts of 50-60mph occurring at lower levels, the Met Office said.
Wind gusts are even higher over the mountains, it added.
No more weather warnings
All weather warnings across the UK, including the yellow warnings for snow and wind have been closed.
Thanks for reading!
That’s it for our rolling weather updates.
Thanks for reading!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments