Amber snow alert threatens power cuts

AMBER weather warnings for snow have been issued for parts of northern England and North Wales today.

Up to 10 inches of snow is forecast across the Peak District and the southern Pennines, with a warning in force from noon until 6pm.

A separate warning for snow and ice is in place between 8am and 3pm across North Wales and Shropshire.

The Met Office said an amber warning means delays on roads; public transport vehicles and cars could be stranded; power cuts are possible; rail and air travel delays are likely and rural communities stand a “good chance” of being cut off temporarily.

In the area covered by the snow and i ce warning, the Met Office said untreated pavements and cycle paths could be impassable.

Yellow warnings are also in place from 6am today to 6pm tomorrow for potentially disruptive snow across northern Wales, northern England and the Midlands, as well as in Northern Ireland from 10am today until 6pm tomorrow, although disruption here is expected to be more localised.

Jason Kelly, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “Cold across most areas away from the south of the UK will be met by moisture-laden air spreading from the south.

“As the milder air from the south gradually pushes northwards the focus for wintry hazards also shifts northward with warnings issued for Scotland.”

He said areas on higher ground should also expect strong to gale force easterly winds.

Drivers are being warned to prepare for potentially difficult journeys.

Chris Wood, from the AA, said: “If you need to travel, reduce your speed and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted. Allow extra time, as it ’s likely your journey will take longer than usual.”