Met Office snow warnings today for 40cm to hit UK: full list | Weather | News

“As snow turns to rain further south, and especially over Wales, there is a risk of freezing rain, a dangerous weather phenomenon in which rain freezes instantly when it reaches the surface, causing dangerous icy conditions.” .

Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable drifts of snow, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain, as well as some gusty conditions.

“We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales. Some significant accumulations of snow are possible in parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where they could reach 5 cm or more. They accumulate quite widely, with up to 20-30 cm over high ground in central and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines.

“This, along with increased winds, can cause drifting snow.”

The amber warnings come into force from 6pm today (Saturday) and will last until 12pm Sunday.

The risk of snow and ice, as well as the possibility of freezing rain, looks set to bring travel difficulties for millions of Britons in the coming days.

Jason continued: “There is a risk of freezing rain in parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially in Wales, increasing the risk of ice and causing some dangerous conditions in some places. As the supercooled raindrops “If they hit the surface, they freeze instantly, covering everything with a layer of ice, making it extremely dangerous.”

National Roads Severe Weather Resilience Manager Darren Clark said: “If traveling this weekend, please keep your distance and reduce speed. Grit suppliers will be treating our roads 24 hours a day when ice or snow is forecast. snow, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.

“Even in conditions that appear normal and where the snow does not settle, you can always experience slippery conditions.

“Drivers should plan their trips, check their vehicles, follow weather reports and carry a snow kit with blankets, food, water and a shovel.”