UK weather live: Met Office warns of snow and ice as commuters set for more travel chaos
Over 140 schools are shut across affected areas in Wales
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Your support makes all the difference.Commuters across the UK could face more travel chaos this morning as the Met Office warned of snowy and icy conditions across the country.
A yellow ice warning covering southern England, the Midlands and eastern Wales remains in effect until 10am today, with the forecaster advising vehicles could be stranded and power cuts widespread.
Continued wintry hazards are likely throughout the week, with roads becoming icy if untreated, the forecaster added.
Snow showers, some accompanied by lightning, began last evening and are expected to persist this morning. Accumulations may exceed 10cm over higher ground, with up to 20cm predicted in mountainous areas of Scotland by the end of the week.
“This will feel like the first taste of winter for many, with the snow and ice risks layered on top,” said Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon, noting that even a few centimetres of snow on lower ground can disrupt travel.
On Tuesday, the cold weather led to closure of over 140 schools mid, north-east, and south-east Wales, affecting areas such as Wrexham, Powys, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Torfaen, and Blaenau Gwent.
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Full story: Ice warning issued after heavy snow sparks travel chaos and school closures with more set to fall
A new ice warning has been issued after heavy snow sparked chaos on Tuesday, with widespread travel disruption and more than 200 schools forced to close.
Snow fell across large swathes of the country on Monday night and Tuesday morning, including London, Wales, Scotland and the Midlands.
The “first taste of winter” caused mass disruption as by Tuesday afternoon, more than 200 school closures had been reported, with around 140 recorded in Wales.
Read the full story here:
Heavy snow sparks travel chaos and school closures with more set to fall
Snow fell across large swathes parts of the country on Monday night and Tuesday morning
Pictured: Snow blankets parts of the UK
Alzheimer’s Society issues warning
The Alzheimer’s Society warned that cold weather can be “particularly challenging” for people with dementia.
“Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves,” the charity said.
It urged people to do the following:
- Make sure the person is dressed appropriately - layers are key;
- Keep the room warm;
- Encourage regular movement;
- Make the most of natural daylight as decreased sunlight can cause someone with dementia to feel increased anxiety, confusion, and even depression;
- Keep to your routine as a big change in routine can cause someone with dementia to become confused or agitated;
- Be careful in icy weather. Perception issues can make it difficult for someone with dementia to see icy patches;
- Make sure they’re eating and drinking regularly.
Power cut warnings as more snow to fall
The Met Office has warned many could be facing power cuts as a result of heavy snow.
Some of those under yellow weather warnings have been told by the forecasters that short term loss of power is “likely” while others have been warned that other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.
The forecasters said: “People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
Where are weather warnings?
There are a number of yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice in place across large swathes of the UK currently.
Scotland
In northern Scotland, there is a yellow warning for snow and ice in place until 10am on Wednesday.
In western Scotland, a yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 7pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday.
England
There is a yellow warning for snow and ice along the east coast of Scotland and England from Berwickshire to Suffolk until midday on Wednesday.
Much of southern England - including London- the Midlands and eastern Wales are also facing yellow warning until 10am on Wednesday.
Wales
The majority of Wales and part of the West Midlands are under a yellow weather warning for snow and ice until 10am on Wednesday.
Northern Ireland
A yellow warning for snow and ice has also been issued for all of Northern Ireland from 6pm on Tuesday to 10am on Wednesday.
Full list of postcodes eligible for cold weather payment
Here’s all the postcode areas that can expect a cold weather payment in 2024 so far:
- CA9 Leadgate, Cumbria
- CA10 Cliburn, Cumbria
- CA11 Catterlen, Cumbria
- CA12 Keswick, Cumbria
- CA16 Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria
- CA17 Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
- LA8 Kendal, Cumbria
- LA9 Kendal, Cumbria
- LA10 Sedbergh, Cumbria
- LA21 Coniston, Cumbria
- LA22 Lakes, Cumbria
- LA23 Windermere, Cumbria
- NE19 Elsdon, Northumberland
- NE47 Allendale, Northumberland
- NE48 Bellingham, Northumberland
- NE49 Haltwhistle, Northumberland
- TD9 (parts on English side of border)
- DG14 (parts on English side of border)
Weather warning updated
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice in Wales has been updated.
The alert, issued earlier today, was originally due to be in place from midnight tonight until midday on Wednesday.
It will now be in place until 10am.
New weather warning issued
Yet another weather warning for snow and ice has been issued by the Met Office.
The forecasters have warned residents in west Scotland that they could see showers bringing up to 5cm of snow accompanied by lightning.
The yellow warning is due to come into place at 7pm and will remain in place until 10am on Wednesday.
The alert reads: “Snow and ice may lead to difficult travelling conditions on Tuesday evening, overnight and during Wednesday morning.
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