Coldest night for two years brings snow
Flood alerts issued but milder weather on way
The coldest night in nearly two years was recorded at the weekend as snow, rain and freezing conditions swept across the country.
Temperatures plummeted overnight from Saturday into Sunday. There was heavy snow in the Yorkshire Dales yesterday as motorists struggled to cope with the conditions.
THE COLDEST night in nearly two years was recorded at the weekend as snow, rain and freezing conditions swept across the country.
Temperatures plummeted overnight from Saturday into Sunday, with a low of minus 13.5C (7.7F) recorded in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie, while freezing temperatures were recorded as far south as London Luton Airport.
There was heavy snow in the Yorkshire Dales yesterday as motorists struggled to cope with the conditions on Fleet Moss, North Yorkshire’s highest road.
Saturday night saw the coldest temperature recorded in the UK since February 14 2016, when minus 14.1C (6.6F) was recorded at Braemar.
The weather also prompted a series of flood warnings across the UK.
The Environment Agency issued the alerts for the River Bray from Challacombe to Meethe, including Brayford and Clapworthy and the River Mole from South Molton to Newnham Bridge, including Alswear.
Devon and Cornwall Police said heavy rainfall caused localised flooding and landslides, while properties in Kentisbury, Swimbridge and Landkey in Barnstaple were evacuated.
Five people were injured in a two-car crash as drifting snow caused hazardous conditions in the Highlands.
The A82 near to Glencoe Mountain Resort was closed while police dealt with the crash on Sunday afternoon.
The snow gates at Glencoe were closed as the weather deteriorated with winds causing drifting snow and white-out conditions.
Police said that five people were hurt in the crash; however, their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Glasgow Airport was temporarily closed on Sunday so the runway could be cleared following heavy snow.
North Wales Police also warned of poor conditions on the roads due to snow and ice, particularly on routes in Snowdonia.
Some parts of the country, including areas in Somerset, experienced localised flooding. Despite the frigid temperatures in the far north, the mercury rose to 11C in the (52F) in the far southwest of England.
Met Office forecaster Steven Keate said: “The broad theme is it is turning milder from the west, but before we get there some snow will fall.”
On Friday, members of the public were urged to stay off the roads in some areas of Scotland, with weather warnings covering much of the country as dozens of schools were closed.