Weather - live: Snow and ice warnings extended as Shetlanders face days without power
Some Shetland residents could have no power for the rest of the week
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Your support makes all the difference.The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings across central and southern parts of Scotland for Friday.
The latest weather warning comes after the forecaster extended a yellow warning for snow and ice covering northern Scotland and northeast England until noon on Friday.
Just yesterday, the Scottish government declared a major incident for Shetland after thousands of homes were left without power amid plummeting temperatures.
A local council leader said that some residents could be without electricity for the rest of the week.
Emma Macdonald, leader of the Shetland Islands Council, said wet and heavy snow, unusual for the area, had brought down power lines and poles.
She said: “We don't normally get much snow, we get a lot of wind and gales, and it has had a significant impact.
“We have so many lines down and people could be without electricity until the end of the week.”
SSEN Distribution is working to restore supplies to about 2,800 homes, but arned full restoration is only likely by the end of the week.
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Thousands left without power as cold snap continues
Britons have been warned that snow and ice will continue to cause chaos in parts of the UK today, after thousands were left without power in freezing conditions.
The Met Office has extended a yellow warning for snow and ice covering northern Scotland and northeast England until noon on Friday.
It comes as the Scottish Government declared a major incident for Shetland yesterday after thousands of homes were left without power amid plummeting temperatures.
SSEN Distribution is working to restore supplies to about 2,800 homes, but warned full restoration is only likely by the end of the week.
Braemar in Aberdeenshire recorded -17.3C on Monday into Tuesday, making it the coldest place in the UK for the second night in a row.
Glance at Wednesday’s weather
The Met Office has shared a brief look at what the weather will be like on Wednesday as the cold spell continues to grip the UK.
It shows sub-zero temperatures across the UK.
Advice issued if you see someone sleeping rough during cold weather
Homeless people are at serious risk due to the sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice hitting the UK.
Around 274,000 people in England are experiencing homelessness this winter, with thousands sleeping rough each night.
There are organisations such as StreetLink which you can contact if you see someone sleeping rough and you’re worried for their safety.
You can ring StreetLink on 0300 500 0914 or visit the website to sign up and send alerts if you see someone at risk.
Advice on staying warm
With the first snow falling across the UK this week, spiralling energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis that shows no sign of relenting, many people are struggling to stay afloat this winter.
And with Christmas looming – a time of year that often sees families going into debt as a result of seasonal spending – things are looking particularly grim.
A new report published on Monday (12 December) by homelessness charity Crisis estimates that nearly one million low-income households fear eviction in the coming months, while four in 10 said it’s likely they will skip meals to pay for their housing this winter.
While there are many reasons to feel concerned right now, there are organisations and individuals out there to help people in crisis. We’ve listed some of the places you can go to seek help, advice and support.
Will the UK see a white Christmas?
The Met Office has shared its predictions for whether the UK will see a white Christmas this year.
A spokesperson from the Met Office told The Independent that snow at Christmas may happen, but it’s most likely to be in the north of the country and up high on hills.
They said: “Temperatures will turn milder again at the weekend.
“It was colder this week than it will be in the run-up to Christmas. Next week conditions are likely to be changeable with spells of rain.”
When asked about the likelihood of a white Christmas, the Met Office spokesperson said nothing could be confirmed at this stage but “if there is snow over the Christmas period, it’s likely to be in the north, especially up high”.
Danger warnings about ice
Police and rescue services across the country have warned people about stepping or playing on the ice.
It comes after three boys were killed and a fourth is in critical condition after falling through ice at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull on Sunday.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service were called out to 20 to 30 children playing on ice on Monday after school at Hammonds Pond in Carlisle.
They said in a statement: “Luckily none of them fell through into the water.
“This is extremely dangerous and could be fatal, ensure your children are safe and educated on the risks.”
‘Cold and icy start’ to Wednesday
The Met Office has shared a first look at tomorrow’s forecast.
Temperatures are set to be chilly at 8am on Wednesday, hitting -1C in London and -3C in Glasgow.
There are warnings for snow, ice and strong winds across the country in place.
The Met Office tweeted: “It will be another cold start this Wednesday morning with warnings for #snow, ice and strong winds active across the UK.”
How long will the snow and ice last?
The Met Office has shared a video explaining how long the snow and ice is expected to last and whether it’s likely to affect Christmas.
It tweeted: “Snow and ice but for how long? Milder air is on the way for the weekend but will it last for Christmas week?”
Full list of UK school closures and late openings on Wednesday
Some schools shut their doors today as parents and staff struggled to make the journey in the treacherous conditions or heating systems stopped working. Others started later in the day to allow a safety assessment in the morning.
The disruption looks set to continue on Wednesday, with schools across the country saying they plan to close as the cold snap continues.
Met Office warnings for tonight
The Met Office has tweeted warning that temperatures will drop quickly tonight.
It said: “Temperatures will quickly fall away this evening with a number of warnings for #snow and ice active across the UK.
“Take care when travelling and stay #WeatherAware.”
Temperatures could drop right down to -13C in parts of the UK overnight.
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