The North of England is bracing for significant disruption as an amber weather warning for snow came into force, with the Met Office forecasting potential blizzard conditions and up to 25cm of snow on high ground.
Widespread Disruption and Hazardous Travel
The national forecaster confirmed that sleet and snow showers continued to hit coastal areas overnight into Thursday. The amber warning, which covers areas like the North York Moors, remains active until 9pm. Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, stated that while Thursday would be sunny for many, further sleet and snow showers would persist, being “heavy across north-east England in particular.”
The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds is expected to create occasional blizzard conditions, potentially cutting off rural communities. The Met Office also warned of the additional hazard of lightning. The situation led to immediate travel chaos on Wednesday night, with North Yorkshire police closing the A169 between Whitby and Pickering and urging drivers to avoid the A171 near Whitby after multiple vehicles became stuck.
National Impact and Safety Warnings
The wintry weather is not confined to the north-east. Five separate yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place across the UK on Thursday, affecting regions from Cornwall and Devon to western Wales. The cold snap, driven by Arctic air, saw temperatures plummet to -6C in Spadeadam, Cumbria, overnight, with the potential for an even chillier -12C in parts of Scotland by Friday.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution. Shaun Jones, an AA patrol expert, advised motorists: “Stopping distances can increase tenfold on icy surfaces, so slowing down and leaving plenty of space is absolutely vital.” Meanwhile, National Rail has warned commuters to check their journeys before travelling due to potential speed restrictions, cancellations, and delays.
A Brief Respite on the Horizon
While the immediate forecast remains severe, the Met Office indicated a change is coming. Temperatures are expected to rise closer to the seasonal average over the weekend, bringing wetter and windier conditions. However, the forecaster noted it would not be as “exceptionally mild” as the weather experienced earlier in November. For now, residents in the amber warning zone are advised to prepare for substantial disruption and to follow all official safety guidance.
