The Met Office has issued a comprehensive weather warning covering 32 specific areas across the United Kingdom, with snow and ice expected to cause disruption for a continuous 20-hour period.
Warning Duration and Timing
The yellow alert for snow and ice comes into effect at 4pm on Thursday, February 12, and remains active until midday on Friday, February 13. This extended warning period highlights the significant impact anticipated from the wintry conditions.
Expected Impacts and Travel Disruption
Meteorologists have warned that snow showers and icy roads are likely to lead to considerable travel disruption across affected regions. The Met Office specifically advises that:
- Roads and railways are likely to be affected, leading to longer journey times for road, bus and train services
- Injuries may occur from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Icy patches are probable on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
Weather Patterns and Accumulation Forecast
The snow showers are expected to begin affecting high ground before descending to lower levels through Thursday evening and overnight. Due to the showery nature of the precipitation, snow accumulations will vary significantly by location.
On low ground, 1-2 centimetres of snow is possible in places by Friday morning. More substantial accumulations of 2 to 5 centimetres are forecast for hills above 300 metres, with some very localised areas potentially seeing up to 10 centimetres.
Temperature Drop and Safety Advice
In addition to the snowfall, temperatures are expected to fall rapidly, increasing the likelihood of ice forming on untreated surfaces. The Met Office has issued specific safety guidance for those who need to travel during the warning period:
- When walking, try to use pavements along main roads which are more likely to be treated and less slippery
- Cyclists should similarly stick to main roads where treatment is more probable
- Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts as warnings may change
Affected Areas Across the UK
The Met Office has identified 32 specific areas that fall under this weather warning:
Scotland
Central Scotland: Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling
North East Scotland: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray
Highlands and Islands: Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands
Southern Scotland: Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian
West Central Scotland: Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
The Met Office emphasises that weather warnings can change and recommends that residents in affected areas stay informed about local forecasts throughout the warning period.
