The UK is bracing for snowfall with the issuance of yellow weather warnings by the Met Office, signaling an incoming icy blast.
A snowstorm is expected to hit the UK as the New Year approaches, affecting five regions and potentially accumulating up to 11 inches (30 cm) of snow. Britons are advised to prepare for travel disruptions and strong winds reaching 60mph later in the week.
According to the latest Met Office forecast, snow showers are forecasted to intensify on Thursday due to a strong northerly wind. Snow accumulation is anticipated across various elevations, ranging from 2 to 5 cm, possibly reaching up to 10 cm by Friday morning. Higher areas might see accumulations of 10-20 cm, with some regions exceeding 30 cm, accompanied by significant drifting of snow and a potential lightning hazard.
The Met Office has updated its yellow snow and ice warning for several regions including Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde, covering Thursday and Friday.
The warning extends to parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, Strathclyde, affecting multiple local areas. Snow showers are predicted to start on Thursday at 6 am and persist until 11 pm on Friday.
Weather maps from Metdesk indicate potential snowfall in regions as far south as Kent by Saturday night, with snow expected in London as well.
The most substantial snowfall in England is anticipated in the East Midlands, particularly in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire on Saturday evening. The snow is forecasted to move eastward overnight, reaching Norfolk by Sunday morning.
The Met Office has cautioned about potential travel disruptions and power outages due to the snowstorm. The alert highlights the possibility of travel delays, road closures, rail and air travel interruptions, power cuts, and risks of injuries from icy surfaces.