UK weather Met Office issues 'danger to life' snow warning as freezing temperatures forecast to intensify
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Your support makes all the difference.The UK has had its coldest night of the winter so far as the cold snap continues to cause icy conditions across the country.
Loch Glascarnoch in Scotland was the coldest spot in Britain as temperatures dipped to a staggering -13.6C.
The freezing temperatures have led to weather warnings being issued by the Met Office for snow, ice and fog on Thursday and into Friday.
Further travel disruption is expected, which you can follow on our sister blog.
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Excellent work underway at Manchester Airport here - a neglected highlight from yesterday.
The Met Office is issuing an amber severe weather warning for parts of the West Country and South Wales for 2pm this afternoon, saying "heavy snow" will be moving eastwards.
What do the Met Office's weather warnings actually mean?
There are currently yellow warnings for ice, snow and fog in place across the UK, with an amber warning active from 2pm until 9pm across western England today.
Here's what the Met Office says:
Yellow warning
Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. Many are issued when it is likely that the weather will cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places. Many people may be able to continue with their daily routine, but there will be some that will be directly impacted and so it is important to assess if you could be affected. Other yellow warnings are issued when the weather could bring much more severe impacts to the majority of people but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower. It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the yellow warning.
Amber warning
There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. You should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property. You may want to consider the impact of the weather on your family and your community and whether there is anything you need to do ahead of the severe weather to minimise the impact.
Red warning
Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities."
Some timely advise from The Indy's Sabrina Barr on how to de-ice your car in a hurry.
Pembrokeshire County Council has said four schools would be closing early due to the "forecast for snow and icy road conditions".
Ysgol y Preseli will close at 12pm, Ysgol Caer Elen and Tavernspite at 1pm and Portfield Special School in Haverfordwest at 12.30pm.
School transport has been arranged for those closures and mobilised for a further 11 schools in the area.
Cornwall Council is reassuring local residents it is ready and prepared to tackle whatever the weather has to throw at it this evening.
A few useful bits from the BBC on what we can expect over the next 24 hours.
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