The Met Office has escalated its weather warning, stating that the impending snow across parts of England will be worse than initially feared. A rare amber alert is now in force, with forecasts predicting up to ten inches (25cm) of snow accumulation in some areas, promising significant disruption this Thursday.
Amber Warning Details and Expected Impact
The amber snow warning, a serious escalation from the more common yellow alerts, is active for much of Thursday and impacts the areas of Redcar and Cleveland, East Riding of Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire. The Met Office warns that frequent wintry showers blowing inland from the North Sea will lead to significant snow accumulations, particularly over the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds.
By the end of the day, higher ground above 100 metres could see between 15cm and 25cm of snow. The forecast also includes gusty winds, which may create blizzard conditions and pose an additional hazard with the potential for lightning strikes.
Widespread Disruption and Travel Chaos
Residents are being warned to prepare for substantial disruption. The Met Office has outlined several key risks associated with this severe weather event.
Travel is expected to be severely affected, with delays on roads likely, potentially stranding some vehicles and passengers. The public should also anticipate delays and cancellations to rail and bus services. Furthermore, power cuts are likely, and other essential services such as mobile phone coverage could be affected. There is also a significant risk that some rural communities could become completely cut off.
Broader Weather Warnings and Preparedness Advice
Beyond the amber alert, the Met Office has issued multiple Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for ice and snow covering the coming days. These warnings extend to Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and southwestern England, and much of Scotland.
In light of the freezing temperatures and potential for snow and ice, the Met Office is urging the public to take preparatory steps. They direct people to their WeatherReady pages, which provide expert seasonal advice from selected organisations. This guidance includes tips on preventing pipes from bursting in sub-zero temperatures and preparing your vehicle for the harsh winter conditions.
