The Met Office has advised residents in 51 regions to prepare for the incoming snowfall by stocking up on three essential items. A yellow weather alert for ice and snow is in effect from 2am to 3pm on Sunday, encompassing a large part of Scotland and northern England. Areas at lower elevations might see up to 10cm of snow, while regions above 200m could experience up to 20cm, accompanied by gusty winds leading to drifting snow and widespread icy conditions.
The public has been cautioned about potential travel disruptions, stranded vehicles, injuries from slippery surfaces, and potential power outages affecting mobile phone services. To ensure safety, the Met Office recommends having torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack, in addition to other essential supplies.
The warning is similar to Saturday’s advisory but includes a broader area in the North West and fewer regions in the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Additionally, a new amber warning for heavy and continuous snow was issued for Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, and Highlands & Eilean Siar for Sunday.
Meanwhile, a yellow ice warning remains active until midday today in London and South East England, East Midlands, East of England, North West England, South West England, the West Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber, and Wales. This warning highlights the risk of refreezing partially melted snow, freezing fog, and wintry showers, increasing the likelihood of icy surfaces and slip hazards.
Furthermore, a separate yellow alert for snow and ice has been issued from 5pm yesterday until 11am today for Northern Ireland, with expected icy patches and hill snow.
The warnings come following severe weather conditions from Storm Goretti, which resulted in power failures, travel disruptions, and school closures. The storm brought winds of up to 99mph to South West England, leading to flight delays and cancellations at London Heathrow and Birmingham airports.