The Met Office has activated a significant yellow weather warning for snow, covering an extensive 17-hour period on Tuesday, January 27. This alert, which is in effect from midnight through to 5pm, specifically targets 27 distinct areas across both England and Scotland, highlighting a widespread risk of wintry conditions.
Forecast Details and Expected Impacts
According to the national forecasting service, outbreaks of rain are predicted to spread northwards during Monday night and into Tuesday. On higher ground, this precipitation is expected to turn to snow, with rainfall accumulations likely reaching 20-30mm widely, and potentially 40-50mm in some locations. The southern Pennines and southwest Scotland could see particularly rapid accumulations, with up to 20mm falling within a three-hour window.
Snow Accumulation and Elevation Factors
The Met Office has provided detailed guidance on snow depths, which are anticipated to increase sharply with elevation. While low-lying areas are unlikely to experience accumulating snow, locations above approximately 300 metres could see 2-5cm, rising to 5-10cm above 400 metres, and 10-20cm above 500 metres. This elevation-dependent snowfall poses a specific threat to high-level routes, with the added risk of drifting due to brisk southeasterly winds.
Potential for Transport and Service Disruption
The forecast warns of probable disruptions across various sectors. Key concerns include:
- Longer journey times for road, bus, and train services, with some routes likely affected.
- Possible interruptions to power supplies and other essential services.
- Increased spray and flooding on roads, further extending travel times.
- A likelihood of flooding in a few homes and businesses.
Strong, gusty winds, especially to the west of hills, may exacerbate these transport issues. Additionally, as slightly milder air moves into southern regions, snow on some hills could transition back to rain.
Full List of Affected Areas
The yellow snow alert impacts the following 27 regions across the UK:
- Angus
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- Highland
- Argyll and Bute
- Derbyshire
- Durham
- Northumberland
- Cheshire East
- Cumbria
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- Dumfries and Galloway
- East Lothian
- Edinburgh
- Midlothian Council
- Scottish Borders
- West Lothian
- East Ayrshire
- South Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- Staffordshire
- North Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
Residents and travellers in these areas are advised to stay updated with the latest Met Office forecasts and prepare for potential weather-related challenges throughout Tuesday.
