The Met Office has issued two amber warnings for snow and ice on Thursday. The warnings cover north Wales and north-west Shropshire from 08:00 GMT to 15:00, and the Peak District and south Pennines from 12:00 until 18:00. Forecasters predict between 10 and 15cm (4-6in) of snow across these areas, with up to 25cm (10in) expected on higher ground.
The snow, described as “persistent and at times heavy”, is set to begin in the morning and ease later in the day. The Met Office anticipates travel disruption and advises against driving in these conditions. If essential journeys are necessary, alternative forms of transport should be considered.
In north Wales and north-west Shropshire, road delays and rail travel disruption are likely due to the snow and ice warning. Power cuts are possible, and rural communities may be temporarily cut off. Untreated pavements and cycle paths may become impassable, with the risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Strong easterly winds could also cause snow drifts.
Similar disruptions are expected in the Peak District and south Pennines, where the snow warning is in effect. Flight delays and cancellations may also occur.
The snow is expected to fall as rain moving north-east across England and Wales on Thursday morning meets colder air. This complex weather situation could result in varying conditions depending on altitude. Hills and mountains above around 200m in Snowdonia, the Peak District, and south Pennine region are likely to see significant snowfall of between 20 and 25cm.
In addition to the amber warnings, several yellow warnings are in place from Thursday into Friday. These include two yellow snow and ice warnings for parts of southern Scotland and Northern Ireland, a snow warning for much of northern England, north Wales, and the Midlands, and a rain warning for much of southern England and south Wales. A separate yellow warning for ice and snow is in effect from 16:00 on Wednesday until 10:00 on Thursday for parts of northern Scotland.
