The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for parts of England as snow is expected to fall in the coming days. Four regions of the country are now under a yellow snow and ice alert from 12am until 11.59pm on January 3. They are: East Midlands, East, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Snow showers are forecast to be frequent and heavy as they move in from England’s east coast, potentially bringing travel disruptions. The Met Office said: “Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.”
Between 1-3cm of snow is expected across the affected areas, with 5-8cm possible in some places, such as the North York Moors.
Moving into Saturday evening, the snow showers will become “lighter and less frequent”, the weather agency said, before moving offshire.
Ice also presents a hazard as it forms mainly during Saturday evening on roads that are wet from the melting snow.
The Met Office urged people to check their routes if they plan on travelling, as they may need to be amended or postponed. Drivers should also keep essentials such as warm clothes and a phone charger in their cars.
It added: “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey.
“Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.
“If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).”
The Met Office has also issues new amber snow warnings for parts of Scotland, in place from 12pm on January 2 until 12pm on January 3.
The affected areas are: Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, and Highlands and Eilean Siar. Between 10-20cm of snow are likely to accumulate at low levels, with 30-40cm possible on high ground, the weather office said.