BEWARE NEW ICY BLAST
Beast from East could cause chaos
BITTER easterly winds will hit Britain next week, heralding the harshest cold snap of the winter.
The “beast from the East” will bring widespread snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Officials have warned of disruption to public services as health alerts are extended
across the country. Elderly and vulnerable people are being told to stock up and avoid going out during the blizzards.
Up to a foot of snow is expected over high ground.
Temperatures will start to plunge today with overnight lows of -10C (14F) next week. Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for ice across Scotland, northern and central England this morning.
This will be followed by wintry showers. Snowfall will turn heavier and more widespread from tomorrow night as icy winds blast in from the East.
Spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: “Forecasts suggest the cold weather will last through next week and there will be snow accumulations. However, it is still early to be able to pinpoint where these will happen.
“Sunday will bring widespread frosts and winds will pick up bringing a risk of sleet or snow.
“By Monday most places will struggle to get above freezing by day and wintry showers could occur across the country. These will increasingly turn to snow inland and it will feel very cold.
“Tuesday is looking like another cold day with more widespread wintry showers. It will feel very cold in the Southeast as winds come in from an easterly direction.”
Dr Claire Kennedy-Edwards, senior meteorologist for The Weather Company, warned: “Total snow accumulation by the end of the week is expected to be 8 to 12in over the hills.”
Health campaigners have urged people to look out for elderly relatives and neighbours. Those with health conditions including asthma have been warned to stay indoors.
Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “Cold weather can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. If you’re not feeling well or are having trouble breathing, stay in.” Malcolm Booth, of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, said: “It is worth stocking up on basics so there is something warm to eat and it will save you having to venture out in the worst of the weather.”
James Madden, of Exacta Weather, said: “There is a chance of snow falling anywhere in the country. Even parts as far south as London are at risk. The weather is coming from an easterly direction – more of a ‘beast from the east’ scenario.”
The cold snap could rival the big freeze of 2010/11 which brought widespread chaos.
Public Health England warned: “It could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.”