A fresh round of weather warnings has been issued for 13 British regions as large swathes of the country are put on snow alert. Forecasters have long predicted next week as being the time period when winter’s first intense snow fall may arrive.
And now the Met Office has earmarked a time frame, plus a series of locations, which are set to see the first deluge from Sunday night through to all day on Monday.
The snow and ice warnings both expire on Monday night, just before midnight, but warns people to expect icy conditions as a result on the roads – with disruption to travel, and hazardous conditions for those on-foot.
It says: “Through the second half of Saturday night, showers will fall as a mixture of rain at low levels and snow over higher ground, but present a chance of ice developing at all elevations.
“Frequent showers will increasingly fall as snow to lower levels during Sunday. Whilst accumulations will vary due to the nature of showers, some places may see 2-5 cm by the end of Sunday.”
In Northern Ireland, the following areas will be at the centre of a new weather warning, also for snow and ice, from 3am on Monday until midnight.
Northern Ireland
- County Antrim
- County Armagh
- County Down
- County Fermanagh
- County Londonderry
- County Tyrone
This warning says: “Brisk northerly winds will drive showers well inland across Northern Ireland on Monday, with these initially falling as snow over higher ground and sleet and rain elsewhere.
“However, as increasingly cold air spreads south, showers will fall as snow to all levels by late morning. Up to 5 cm of snow is likely over higher routes such as the Coleraine Mountain road and Glenshane Pass.
“At lower levels, a few cms can be expected, with northern counties expected to see the more frequent showers. Ice will be an additional hazard for all areas into the evening.”
People are urged to plan their routes if they are anticipating a drive and be aware for public transport delays which are likely in snow-hit zones. Drivers are urged to equip themselves with warm clothes, food and drink in the event they become stranded.
They should also pack a torch, phone charger, ice scraper, a warning triangle and a hi-vis vest. “Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly,” the forecaster added.
“When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
