Britons are being urged to exercise caution on icy surfaces today, with the risk of “injuries from slips and falls” looming large. Snow is set to blanket parts of Scotland and northern England, including Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Cumbria, as the day progresses.
The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place until 2pm, anticipating up to 5cm of snow accumulation. The Met Office website warns: “Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces [are likely]. Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths [are likely].”
Disruptions are expected, especially across the North York Moors and Northumberland, with temperatures feeling as low as -5C in North Yorkshire due to the biting easterly winds that have swept the nation all week.
Even southern regions like Cambridgeshire will experience a near-freezing chill, with the actual air temperature deceptively warmer than the harsh easterlies suggest, particularly along the North Sea coast in Lincolnshire. The Met Office further notes: “Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are likely to develop early Saturday before easing from the west during the afternoon. Snow is more likely to the east of the Pennines, particularly above 150 metres, where 2-5 cm may accumulate over the North York Moors and Northumberland.
“To lower levels, any falling snow may struggle to accumulate though some places may see up to 2 cm before gradually easing during the afternoon. There is also a risk of ice over the Pennines, particularly above 200 metres where freezing rain is possible.”
With icy conditions expected throughout the day, particularly in northern counties, Brits are advised to take care to avoid injuries. The cold weather will persist into Sunday, with especially bitter temperatures forecast for Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.
The snow and ice could disrupt Saturday’s sporting schedule, affecting football matches planned at Middlesbrough, Hull, Blackburn and Preston. Morecambe’s League Two match against Accrington Stanley may also be at risk as temperatures across Cumbria are set to drop below freezing.
A jump meeting scheduled at Haydock Park on Saturday could also be affected, according to the Mirror.
