The Met Office has plunged three UK regions under an amber weather warning for snow – with some isolated regions at risk of a total blackout. Highlands, Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands are braced for up to 20cm of snow on Thursday.
A polar blast has unleashed fresh hell on many northern communities this week as the mercury plunges to sub-zero lows for most of the country. An increasing risk of snow drifts is also set to cause chaos for many.
The Met Office warning says: “Further frequent, occasionally heavy, snow showers will affect the Northern Isles and northwest Scotland through Wednesday evening and Thursday with an additional 5-10 cm of snow likely, and the potential for a further 15-20 cm of snow in a few locations.
“In addition strengthening northerly then northwesterly winds will cause lying snow to drift.”
The warning says some areas may be prone to widespread power cuts, that delays to public transport networks is likely and that people should prepare to become stranded.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “With deep snow already lying on the ground for many in the northern half of the UK, we’re going to see a significant topping up of totals over the next couple of days, especially for those in the north of Scotland.
“Within the amber warning area, an additional 15-20cm of snow is possible in a few locations. Strengthening northwesterly winds will also cause some lying snow to drift, potentially bringing some additional hazards, such as temporary blizzard conditions.”
