UK weather: Met Office issues yellow warning for SNOW as exact date it will hit is revealed & drivers urged to be aware
THE Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow this week as Brits brace for freezing temperatures - and drivers have been urged to take extra care behind the wheel.
A whopping eight inches of the white stuff is set to fall in just 24 hours on higher ground during the icy blast, which looks set to paralyse Brits across England and Wales.
The latest weather warning will last from 3am on Thursday January 8 to 3am on Friday January 9.
The Met Office warned the wintry snap will affect the West Mids, Peterborough, Nottingham, Manchester, Hull, Newcastle and parts of north Wales.
"A period of snowfall could bring some disruption on Thursday and Thursday night," the forecaster warned.
"There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.
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"There is also a chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel."
Chris Almond, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, told the Telegraph that the snow risk looks "highest in northern England and Wales".
He added: "It’s from Thursday that the snow risk becomes more potentially impactful, as mild air attempts to move back in from the south, bumping into the cold air and increasing the chance of snow developing on the leading edge."
The snow will ease later in the day, and may turn back to rain or drizzle, especially in the south and east.
Further warnings for ice could also be issued later in the week as temperatures drop below average for this time of year, the forecaster said.
The cold snap could trigger power cuts - cutting off some rural communities in the process.
Drivers have been urged to stick to main roads, grip their steering wheel firmly, leave plenty of space on either side of their car and avoid wind tunnels between trees and buildings.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that plummeting temperatures could increase the "risk of mortality" in the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
The UKHSA advises seeking help from Simple Energy Advice, which provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.
Brits are also urged to wear several layers of thinner clothing to keep them warmer than one thicker layer.
It comes just a week after Storm Ingunn's Norwegian blast brought 107mph winds to the UK - as "danger to life" warnings sparked rail and flight chaos.
Wild gales caused more than 40 train services to cancel services in Scotland , and ferry operator Carmac scrapped its schedule for the day.
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Meanwhile a Cargolux cargo plane bound for Glasgow Prestwick Airport was diverted to Manchester this afternoon due to safety concerns after experiencing strong winds.
Advice for driving in snowy conditions
Things you should always do when driving in snow and ice:
- Before even jumping in the car, you can improve your chances of safely getting to your destination with some basic preparation. Checking the air pressure and tread on your tyres is something most drivers often forget to do, but the mistake can prove fatal during slippery conditions. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but experts recommend it should be at least 3mm to be as safe as possible.
- If you know you're going to need to drive in the morning, soak a few towels in salt water and place them on your windscreen the night before to prevent frost building up.
- You should also remove any ice on your mirrors, number plates and windows before driving off. And remember, snow and ice sitting on the roof can fall and block your windscreen, so clear as much as possible before driving.
- It might seem over the top, but packing a bag of emergency supplies will be handy if your car breaks down or if you're stuck in a blizzard. A warm blanket, snacks, water and a torch can make a long wait on the roadside bearable.
- Always allow greater stopping distances in icy conditions, and stay alert for pedestrians who are braving the cold.
- Driving in a higher gear wherever possible can help you to retain control where road surfaces are treacherous.
- Having an old cloth nearby can also come in handy to remove any mist from your windscreen before it turns into ice.
And those you should avoid:
- If you come across black ice, many drivers will hit the brakes and steer into a skid as they start to lose control - but that can be a dangerous move for inexperienced drivers. Instead, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and straighten up as your vehicle rides it out.
- Accelerating and braking too quickly is a recipe for disaster in icy conditions. Be sure to take it slow when turning and avoid any overtaking.
- It might seem urgent at the time, but it's important not to take unnecessary journeys when it's icy.
- If you do need to go somewhere, don't take an unfamiliar route as road signs are likely to be covered in snow and phone reception could be limited.
- Some drivers rely on pouring boiling water over a frozen windscreen to remove ice, but it's more than likely to crack the glass. Investing in a decent ice scrapper or de-ice spray can work just as well and will protect your windscreen.
- Don't take any shortcuts and stay off rural roads as these might not have been cleared, and are often challenging even in warm weather. Stick to main roads as much as possible.
- Finally, don't forget to top up your oil, fuel and screen-wash before every winter trip.