A massive 473-mile snow bomb is expected to hit across a vast stretch of the UK this weekend.
Latest weather maps from WXCharts suggest that the freezing conditions will begin to set in on Saturday (November 23) morning.
The snowy conditions will have a major impact on areas ranging from Wick, in northern Scotland, right down to Manchester, England, with a possibility of 7-8 cm of snow accumulating on the ground. Up to 26cm is predicted in northern Scotland.
It comes as the Met Office issued several amber and yellow warnings of ice, rain and snow for Saturday – with Storm Bert predicted to bring heavy rain and snow, together with strong winds to large swathes of the country.
The frontal system will also push the temperature to the lower side with Scottish Highlands freezing at -9C, maps show.
The forecaster said: “Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on hills above 400m.
“Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.
“Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies.”
It added: “A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.”
Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Storm Bert is what we call a ‘multi-hazard event’, bringing snow, rain and wind to the UK for the majority of the weekend.
“Multiple National Severe Weather Warnings are in place and will be added to and amended over the weekend.
“It’s possible this may be at short notice, so it is important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast.”
