15 DAYS OF SNOW AND STORMS
500 mile ‘ Atlantic vortex’ sparks half- term hell
BRITS are braced for an arctic battering as THREE 60mph Atlantic storms that kick off today are set to bring a fortnight of wind, rain and snow misery to millions.
SNOW and Arctic winds are forecast to blast the UK for 15 days – as three 500- mile wide “Atlantic storm vortexes” hit the country.
Up to five inches of rain and 60mph gales are expected to batter parts of Britain, while bookies forecast snow is an odds- on bet.
Icy storm conditions will create a nightmare for millions forced to socialise outdoors under strict distancing restrictions affecting swathes of the UK.
The trio of Atlantic storm vortexes are due to blast the UK from today, then Wednesday and on Saturday.
Gales are set to continue through the half- term holiday, hitting anyone able to get away for a break.
There are fears the washout could trigger flooding across areas of the north, south and Midlands, meaning travel problems and more misery for homeowners already mopping up from previous deluges.
And there are a total of 15 days with 60mph gales in the UK forecast this winter by The Weather Company, the world’s biggest commercial forecaster.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “Yuck – a big change is ahead with the next week not looking nice at all.
“There will be stronger winds and heavy rain, with potential for deep low pressure in midweek and hints of further vigorous systems.”
Former BBC weatherman John Hammond, of Weathertrending, added: “A vortex of wind and rain is forecast in a volatile spell.
“There may be a snow covering on Scotland’s mountains.”
The north- west and coastal areas are in for severe gales, with unsettled conditions expected to dominate until the end of the month, warned the Met Office.
Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “We’re strapping ourselves in for a nationwide big freeze in the coming days and snow seems inevitable before next week is out.”
The Environment Agency warned: “Minor flooding from surface water and rivers is possible in the north west on Monday and more widely on Tuesday and Wednesday. Properties may flood.”