The Met Office has issued a stark warning that a significant snow storm is set to batter parts of the UK, bringing up to 15 hours of continuous snowfall and raising the threat of widespread power cuts.
Impending Winter Chaos
The national weather service has activated a yellow weather warning for ice and snow, which comes into effect from late Tuesday, November 18. The alert warns that frequent snow showers will persist through Wednesday and Thursday, creating a high potential for disruption across a swathe of the country.
Meteorologists predict that snow showers will feed inland on brisk northerly winds, leading to significant accumulations in some areas. The forecast indicates that where showers are most frequent, 2-5 cm of snow could settle at low levels, with 5-10 cm possible on hills above 100 metres. The most severe accumulations, potentially reaching 15-20 cm, are expected above 300 metres elevation.
Widespread Disruption Expected
The Met Office has outlined a series of serious consequences residents should prepare for. The warning states that power cuts may occur, potentially affecting other essential services like mobile phone coverage. The following disruptions are highly likely:
- Significant travel delays on roads, with some vehicles and passengers becoming stranded.
- Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with road closures and longer journey times.
- Untreated pavements and cycle paths becoming impassable.
- A heightened risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
- Some rural communities could become completely cut off.
Affected Regions and Additional Hazards
The warning covers twelve specific areas, primarily in Scotland. The regions bracing for the worst of the weather are:
Angus, Perth, Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, and Argyll and Bute.
Beyond the heavy snow, the Met Office cautions that gusty winds and a few lightning strikes may accompany some showers, posing additional hazards. As temperatures plummet, there is a serious risk of ice forming where snow partially thaws and then refreezes overnight.
From Wednesday, it will feel especially cold for most, with temperatures of 2-5°C, but the wind chill will make it feel more like -2°C to -4°C. Overnight frosts are also expected, further increasing the risk of dangerous icy patches.
