Three new weather warnings for snow and ice are all coming into force in a matter of hours as Brits brace for the first wrath of winter.
A cold Arctic blast has reached the UK, but not every region is going to be hit with wintry showers, as Met Office warnings now focus on Scotland, the north east and an isolated part of the eastern coast of England.
The yellow weather warnings begin from today and last until Wednesday – but that does not rule out more being issued if further risks are identified.
The biggest warning, which covers the largest area, is in place now until midnight tomorrow. The forecaster says: “Snow showers will continue to feed inland early on Tuesday morning across northern and western Scotland, parts of Wales and northwest England where 2-5 cm of snow is possible over a few hours in some places.
“During the day, an area of more organised rain, sleet and snow is likely to move east with further showers following.
“There is still some uncertainty in the track of more prolonged snow, and it is possible that at lower elevations across Wales and northern England, this could turn to rain for a time.
“However, there is a chance some places could see 5-10cm perhaps 20cm of snow, particularly across the northern half of Scotland and over higher ground elsewhere.”
Among the chaos, drivers are warned they could become stranded and homes could have their power cut off. Mobile phones may also struggle with signal.
Delays could occur on railways and runways caked in snow may cause travel disruption for air passengers.
Come Wednesday, the same areas may need to brace for a further onslaught – at least until midday. The warning adds: “A band of sleet and snow is likely to continue to push across this area and towards the southeast during the first part of Wednesday.
“This could bring 1-2 cm of snow over the hills in the region, with a small chance of around 5cm falling in one or two upland areas.
“At lower elevations sleet or very wet snow is likely, but no settling of snow is expected. As this band of sleet and snow clears to the southeast, temperatures will fall below freezing leading to widespread ice developing.”
A separate warning for ice has also been issued, mostly for areas in Scotland – from midnight until midday on Wednesday. It continues: “Following the sleet and snowfall across the region on Tuesday, which will have cleared this area by the start of Wednesday, temperatures will widely fall well below freezing.
“This will lead to the refreezing of slush and snow, and ice forming on many surfaces.”
