Heavy snow hits parts of the UK as police warn drivers to take care
Heavy snow has hit parts of the UK today, including in the West Midlands and the Cotswolds, as police warned people to take care due to delays on the roads.
There were reports of snow falling in counties such as Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire as well as in Birmingham and Stourbridge, and lighter dustings as far south as Devon.
Gloucestershire Police tweeted: “Heavy snow is starting to fall in the rural parts of the county. This will cause delays on the roads. Only go out if it is essential to do so.
“We are receiving a number of reports of snow around the county causing disruption, particularly in the Forest of Dean and the A417 around Birdlip. Please stay safe and avoid all unnecessary travel.”
Staffordshire Police also warned of “serious disruption”, with several roads in the area impassable.
Snow and ice warnings remain in place for much of the UK today as a cold snap bites in the aftermath of Storm Bella.
It comes as around 90 flood warnings are still in force in England, along with about 160 less serious flood alerts.
Snow had already fallen in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, including in the Peak District in Derbyshire, on Sunday.
The Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” warning for snow and ice on Monday until 6pm in London, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Southampton and West Berkshire, as well as Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
The warning said: “Further rain, sleet and snow is likely at times this afternoon. For many, this will not settle on roads.
“However, 1 to 3cm is possible in a few places, mainly on high ground above 200 metres where some icy surfaces are also possible. The rain, sleet and snow will clear steadily southwards by early evening.”
The forecasters’ advice warns of the potential for injuries from icy surfaces and delays to trains and road transport.
There has also been a new yellow warning issued for snow and ice covering much of the country from 6pm today to 10am on Tuesday.
The Met Office said: “Ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces during Monday night, especially where showers move well inland.
“Some of the showers will be wintry and could produce 2 to 5cm of lying snow above 250 metres, mostly over the Pennines and North York Moors where up to 10cm is possible.
“Elsewhere, most places will see little or no snow, but a slight covering of a centimetre or so is possible in a few places.”
Large swathes of London, the Midlands, the South, the South West, plus the east of England and Wales have also been warned that snow and ice could hit on Wednesday and Thursday.
The chilly temperatures follow several days of extreme weather over the Christmas period, which saw severe flooding in parts of southern England before Storm Bella arrived on Boxing Day, with winds of more than 100mph.
Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: “There will be wintry showers around eastern and southeastern counties of England, although the area of more persistent wintry weather moving southwards over central, southern and southwest England is more of a concern.
“Some snow is likely through the morning there, especially over Salisbury Plain, the Mendips and the Cotswolds.
“Some places will miss the showers and see some good sunny spells but everywhere will feel cold, particularly in the brisk winds in the west.”
Further into the week and towards the New Year, the Met Office says conditions will remain cold with sunshine and the possibility of wintry showers.
As of 12pm on Monday, 88 flood warnings remained in place across England calling for immediate action as flooding was expected, alongside 162 flood alerts.
Parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire have been badly affected, with some people forced to evacuate their homes due to the floods.
There were also some flood warnings and alerts in Wales.
Courtesy of Sky News
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