Whiteout warning! 8ins of snow on the way
Even the gritters came off the road
SNOW blanketed large parts of Britain yesterday, with up to eight inches more on the way – possibly as far south as London.
‘Significant’ depths were recorded, reaching almost 2in in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and 4in in parts of Northern Ireland.
A warning has been issued for further snow showers and ice until 6pm this evening, covering a swathe of western Britain from Cornwall up to Scotland.
But more severe snowfall is predicted to last throughout the day tomorrow as a weather front collides with Arctic air above the UK.
The Met Office has issued a warning for snow in all parts of England from London and the Home Counties to the Scottish Borders. Up to two inches could fall even at low levels, rising to four inches on higher ground.
And forecasters warned that some areas could see as much as eight inches, with the most severe snow expected in the Midlands, mid and north Wales, north-west England and the south Pennines.
The snowfall is due to be the most significant and widespread in England and Wales since March 2013, with problems expected on transport networks and some areas facing being cut off. Met Office spokesman Ollie Claydon said: ‘There could be significant amounts of snow on Sunday which are likely to cause disruption.’
A separate warning of strong winds has been issued for southern England and south Wales tomorrow. Gales including gusts of up to 70mph in exposed coastal areas are expected.
Yesterday snowfall hit areas including Leeds, Birmingham, north Wales and the Scottish Highlands.
The bitter conditions were due to continue today, with highs of just 2-3C (36-37F) in London.
Last night was due to be frosty in most areas, with temperatures between -2C (28F) and -5C (23F) in England, and as low as -10C (14F) in areas of the Highlands.
Highways England advised road users intending to travel tomorrow to check the forecast and road conditions before they set out, with the RAC warning against long journeys.