Amber warning issued with “risk” of trip interruption and power outages

SNOW IN NORTH YORKSHIRE, MIDDLETON TYAS VILLAGE, SATURDAY MORNING.

Forecasters warned of ‘treacherous’ road conditions on Sunday (Picture: Marc Giddings)

An amber warning has been issued by the Met Office, with travel chaos expected due to snow and ice.

Forecasters say there is a ‘good chance’ of disruption to journeys with potential power cuts also likely.

The new warning – which relates to the north of England – follows a number of yellow warnings for the whole country.

Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong has warned of “treacherous” travel conditions.

He said: ‘As the northerly airflow and cold conditions that have dominated our weather for the past few days come to an end, there is a potent mix of winter hazards on Sunday which has resulted in several warnings being issued .

“As this milder southern air moves north, there is a continued risk of snowfall, even at low levels, across the north of the UK.

“Freezing rain, which is a relatively rare occurrence in the UK, is likely to impact areas near the Pennines and could lead to power outages and travel disruption.

“In the Amber Warning Area, freezing rain could cause 2-3mm of ice to build up on untreated surfaces, which is likely to cause hazardous travel conditions and road closures.”

Orange warning issued with 'good chance' of travel disruption and power cutsCredit: Met Office

National weather warnings are in place on Sunday (Picture: Met Office)

An “extended period” of freezing rain is expected to sweep the region on Sunday.

A level 3 cold weather alert is also in effect by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering all of England and is currently in place until midnight on Sunday.

Conditions are expected to remain volatile into next week, with strong winds and prolonged periods of rain.

A yellow rain warning has also been issued for much of southern and south-west England, as well as south Wales.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (13671502l) A winter sunset in the snow at Exmoor National Park Seasonal weather, snow, Exmoor National Park, Dunkery, UK - 17th Dec 2022

A winter sunset in the snow at Exmoor National Park (Photo: Shutterstock)

A tractor fitted with a snow plow drives on the A9 near Pitlochry, Scotland, Britain December 17, 2022. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

A tractor fitted with a snowplow drives on the A9 near Pitlochry (Photo: Reuters)

The warning is in effect from Sunday evening to Tuesday morning, with more than 150mm of rain possible for Dartmoor Heights, but more widely 30-80mm in the warning area.

Peter Jenkins, campaigns director at Water UK, said: “The recent freezing weather has been very disruptive for many people.

“The last thing we want is for people to experience further disruption as temperatures rise this weekend, putting many homes at risk of burst pipes due to freeze-thaw.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone to check their water pipes are properly insulated now and follow our simple tips for weatherproofing homes.

People look at icicle formations at a frozen waterfall in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales.  Snow and ice have swept across parts of the UK, with cold winter conditions expected to continue for days.  Picture date: Saturday December 17, 2022. PA Photo.  Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Icicles form a frozen waterfall in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Picture: PA)

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (13671502j) A red deer in the snow at Dunkery in Exmoor National Park Seasonal weather, snow, Exmoor National Park, Dunkery, UK - 17th Dec 2022

Warmer temperatures will finally return on Monday (Picture: Shutterstock)

“If you are concerned about the impact of freeze-thaw or cold weather, we encourage you to contact your water company for help and advice.”

Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, added: “Cold weather can have serious health consequences, and the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions may be particularly at risk.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you need to heat your home to a comfortable temperature for you. In the rooms you use the most like the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C ​​if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

“Wearing multiple layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”

Glasgow Airport was closed on Friday until its runaways were cleared of snow and ice. It reopened around 11:30 a.m.

Temperatures dropped to -13.5°C in some areas overnight.

Contact our press team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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