Met Office Issues Yellow Warning for Snow and Ice Amid High Flood Risk Across England
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, covering most of Scotland and large parts of England, with this alert remaining in force until 10am on Sunday. This warning comes as flood risks remain critically high across the country, with 74 flood warnings and 163 flood alerts currently in place across England.
Snow and Ice Hazards Across the UK
The Met Office has warned that snow could be heavy at times, with accumulations of 1-3cm possible at low levels and up to 15cm above 400m elevation. Ice poses an additional significant hazard, particularly in north-east England and Scotland, where conditions are expected to become very slippery. These conditions are due to outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards on Saturday night, which will fall as snow initially, even to low levels for a time, before becoming confined to higher ground as milder air arrives from the west.
Flooding Continues to Threaten Communities
Flooding remains a severe threat to many communities. Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, reported that more than 24,000 homes and businesses have been protected by flood defenses, but approximately 330 have already been flooded. The high number of flood warnings and alerts underscores the ongoing risk, with residents urged to stay vigilant and follow official advice.
Weather Conditions Expected to Improve
Conditions are forecast to improve as milder air moves into the south-west, bringing temperatures up to 12°C in Cornwall and Devon. In contrast, eastern areas will experience cooler temperatures of 4°C to 5°C. Looking ahead, next week will remain unsettled with further showers across the country, easing into Tuesday before another weather system arrives on Wednesday. This pattern indicates a continued need for caution despite the temporary relief from the snow and ice warning.
The combination of snow, ice, and flooding highlights the challenging weather conditions facing the UK, with authorities advising the public to take necessary precautions and stay informed through official channels.
