Wintry conditions across the UK have caused widespread travel disruption and forced more than 200 schools to close – with forecasters warning more snow and ice is on the way.
The Met Office has issued four new yellow weather alerts for snow and ice – and warned of the further impact on motorists, public transport, possible power outages and rural areas being cut off.
One of the warnings covers southern Wales until around midnight on Tuesday, while another affects northern Scotland until 10am on Wednesday.
A third warning is in place from 6pm on Tuesday until midday on Wednesday along the east coast of Scotland and England – stretching from Berwickshire to Suffolk.
Another warning covers Northern Ireland from 6pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday.
The Met Office has warned up to 10cm of snow may accumulate in the worst affected areas as the country continues to experience its “first taste of winter”.
Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.
“The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.
“In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption.
“Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”
Monday night saw sub-zero temperatures for much of the UK, reaching as low as -11.2C at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.
Snowfall was also widely reported, with 12cm of lying snow recorded at Watnall in Nottinghamshire on Tuesday morning.
By Tuesday afternoon, around 140 school closures had been reported in Wales, with around 50 in the West Midlands and 20 in Derbyshire.
There was travel misery for thousands of train passengers with National Rail warning of disruption to various routes.
By midday on Tuesday, around 64 of a total of 120 services (53%) planned by East Midlands Railway had been cancelled or delayed by at least half an hour, according to trains.im – a punctuality and reliability website.
Figures for other operators included London North Eastern Railway (37%), Transport for Wales (13%), West Midlands Trains (13%) and CrossCountry (12%).
Travellers have been advised to check their local rail app or social media and plan their journeys ahead.
Check the forecast in your area
Motorists have also been warned to drive carefully and plan their journeys.
Darren Clark, from National Highways, said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.
“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.
“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”
It comes as the first amber cold health alert of the season has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering all of England, except the south, until 6pm on Saturday.
An amber warning is issued when the weather is likely to “cause significant impacts across health and social care services”, according to the UKHSA.
That includes the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among older people or those with health conditions.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “It is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”
Meanwhile yellow health alerts – the second lowest alert level – are in place for the South East, South West and London.
More expected in coming days
The Met Office has warned of the potential of further “hazards” with heavy rain, strong winds and more snow forecast during the rest of the week as temperatures plummet and remain below average
“Further snow accumulations are expected through the week, mostly by night at low levels, in northern Scotland and exposed parts elsewhere,” it said.
Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said: “It is going to be quite a widely cold week. A few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country.”
‘Slight chance’ communities could be cut off
Those in the impacted areas have been told power cuts are possible and mobile phone coverage might be affected.
The Met Office has said there is a “slight chance” some rural communities could be cut off.
People have also been warned to be careful not to slip or fall on icy surfaces.
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‘Risk to life’
The cold weather brings not only disruption but risk to life, a charity has warned.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said with high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some elderly people may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, “but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses”.
“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”
Ms Abrahams said it is “vital” that older people stay “fit, warm and well if they can” by having hot food and drinks throughout the day, wrapping up warm and sleeping with the windows closed.