More weather warnings issued as snow, ice and rain forecast

The Met Office has issued further weather warnings for Thursday with widespread snow and rain forecast across large parts of the country.

Amber weather warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and North Wales, while a mixture of yellow rain and snow warnings will be in force across the four nations.

Up to 25cm of snow is forecast across high ground in the Peak District and the southern Pennines, with a warning in force from noon until 6pm on Thursday.

A separate warning for snow and ice will be in place between 8am and 3pm across North Wales and Shropshire, with 10-15cm widely expected in both warning areas.

The Met Office said an amber warning means travel delays on roads are likely; public transport vehicles and cars could be stranded; power cuts are possible; rail and air travel delays are likely, and rural communities stand a “good chance” of being cut off temporarily.

In the area covered by the snow and ice warning, the Met Office said untreated pavements and cycle paths could be impassable.

A yellow rain warning covering much of southern England and south east Wales – including London and Cardiff – has been issued from 2am on Thursday to 6am on Friday, with 15-25mm likely and up to 45mm on higher routes.

Separate yellow warnings are in place from 6am on Thursday to 6am on Friday for potentially disruptive snow across northern Wales, northern England and the Midlands, with a snow and ice warning from 6pm on Thursday to 3pm on Friday covering southern and central Scotland, and in Northern Ireland from 10am on Thursday until 6pm on Friday – though disruption here is expected to be more localised.

The Met Office said up to 8cm of snow could fall in Northern Ireland and up to 10cm in parts of Scotland, with 1-3cm more widely in both regions.

Areas which see the most snowfall will see temperatures reach just above freezing, but it will likely feel colder with strong gusts of wind.

Met Office chief meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: “Make sure you’re staying tuned to the forecast and the Met Office warning page for any updates that we may issue. Before that, make sure that for your journey times you plan longer, especially in the snow.

“Be sure to check your general car situation – if you have to travel check your tyres, the oil and your screen wash, and take longer on your journey time as well.”

Chris Wood, from the AA, said: “If you need to travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted.

“Allow extra time as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel or electrical charge if driving an electric vehicle.

“The cold snap is likely to affect vehicle breakdown levels, with faults such as flat batteries and wiper faults.”