Deep freeze alert as ‘the Beast’ roars in
GLASGOW residents were being urged to “work from home” as heavy snowfall looks set to blanket Britain and cripple much of the UK’s travel network.
Scottish weatherman Sean Batty said those who are able to stay indoors for work should “seriously consider it” as the Met Office hits the city and its surrounding areas with three days of warnings.
A yellow warning lasting until 11.55pm tonight amid a wintry blast - dubbed “the Beast from the East” – will cause temperatures to tumble, with the country potentially facing the coldest weather since 1991.
The Met Office said: “Snow showers or longer periods of snow are expected on Tuesday, accompanied by very l ow temperatures.
“There is the potential for travel delays on roads, with some stranded vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.
“Some rural communities could become cut off.
“Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.”
Upgraded amber warnings have also been issued for the city, from 6am on Wednesday to noon on Thursday.
The Met Office cautioned: “Frequent and heavy snow showers are expected on Wednesday and Thursday leading to some significant accumulations developing.
“Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel could occur. Roads may become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers.
“Communities might be cut off for several days. Long interruptions to power supplies and other services such as telephone and mobile phone networks, could occur.”
Forecaster Frank Saunders said parts of the country could see their “coldest spell of weather since at least 2013, and possibly since 1991.”
It is expected the mercury could plummet to minus 15C by midweek where there is snow on the ground, rivalling temperatures forecast for parts of northern Norway and Iceland.
On Monday, British Airways cancelled more than 60 short haul flights either departing or arriving from London Heathrow in a bid to protect punctuality. Two Glasgow-bound flights and three headed for Edinburgh have been cancelled.
EasyJet said it is also expecting disruption to some of its flights and has advised customers to check before they travel.
Ahead of Tuesday’s snowfall, many airports were advising passengers to check with their airlines before travelling.