An amber weather warning for snow has been issued for parts of the UK, while temperatures are predicted to plummet to a frigid -16°C in some regions. The Met Office’s amber warning, in effect until 9 pm tonight, covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, anticipating significant snowfall. This comes in addition to a broader yellow weather warning encompassing London and the South, the Midlands, sections of North Wales, Northwest England, western and northern Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These warnings highlight the widespread nature of the wintry conditions affecting the UK. Sub-zero temperatures, potentially reaching -16°C, are expected to grip northern England and Scotland on Thursday night. National Rail has urged travelers to verify their journey details before setting off due to the ongoing yellow warnings for snow and ice.
Heavy snow has already begun to impact travel, particularly in the southwest. The A38 in Devon experienced significant snowfall, prompting deployment of gritters and ploughs. Devon County Council closed a section of the A380 southbound near Haldon Hills due to heavy snow, reopening it later with warnings of continuing delays. Elsewhere, the A38 experienced delays of up to 90 minutes westbound and 45 minutes eastbound due to snow. Sleet and snow also caused 45-minute delays on the A27 eastbound near Brighton. Devon & Cornwall Police issued a travel advisory, urging residents to avoid unnecessary journeys during the amber warning period.
The Met Office reported snowfall measurements of 3cm in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, and 2cm in Liscombe, Somerset. A live snow map provides real-time updates on snowfall across the UK. The Met Office later upgraded the warning for parts of the southwest to amber, anticipating heavier snow accumulations, potentially reaching 10cm in some areas. This amber warning underscores the potential for significant disruption.
Beyond road travel, rail services have also been affected. Southern trains between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex encountered disruptions due to snow on the line and a level crossing barrier fault. Multiple incidents related to snow and flooding continue to impact rail services nationwide, with details available on the National Rail website. London’s transport network also experienced difficulties, with part suspensions and delays affecting five Underground and Overground lines due to various issues including a faulty train, signal failure, and staff shortages. Specifically, the Bakerloo, Central, London Overground (Lioness), Piccadilly, and District lines all experienced varying degrees of disruption.
Looking ahead, further yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued for Thursday, affecting the South West, Wales, Northwest England, Northern Ireland, and northern and western Scotland. These warnings are valid from early Thursday morning until later in the day, extending into the evening for Scotland. These warnings signal continued challenging conditions in the coming day. A separate yellow ice warning has been issued for most of the south coast of England and parts of South Wales, effective from just after midnight until 10:30 am on Thursday. This warning forecasts icy conditions developing on wet surfaces following the rain and snow.
Amidst these challenging weather conditions, a Cold Weather Payment checker has been made available to determine eligibility for financial assistance. This payment of £25 is triggered when temperatures fall to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days in a specific postcode, providing support for heating costs to low-income households in England and Wales. This payment is distinct from the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners. Additionally, flood warnings remain in place for numerous locations across the country, predominantly in riverine areas, following recent heavy rainfall and flooding. The Environment Agency provides detailed information on flood warnings and river levels. As the UK braces for continued cold weather, advice has been issued on driving in snowy conditions, including checking vehicle essentials and considering the reliability of different car models. A Toyota Rav 4 or Skoda Kodiaq have been highlighted as reliable choices for snowy conditions.