Cold snap may disrupt phone signals, warn forecasters

PLUNGING temperatures could cause mobile phones to cut out in a cold snap that will bring widespread snow and ice over the coming days.

The Met Office said that heavy hail and snow showers could cause severe disruption this morning as the halfterm school holiday gets off to a shivery start.

Mobile reception could be lost if icy winds dry air moisture on power cables and cause them to break, forecasters have warned.

Two yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place for large swathes of the south west, north west, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland until lunchtime today.

It comes after a 56-year-old walker, who had badly frozen feet was rescued by emergency services in blizzard conditions as part of a nine-hour operation

‘Heavy hail and snow will lead to ice and snow on many surfaces. Longer journey times are likely’

in the Cairngorms yesterday morning.

The mercury is predicted to dip below freezing for many parts today, with possible lows of 23F (minus 5C) in Scotland and a widespread frost.

More snow is also expected in western areas during the day.

The Met Office said: “Heavy hail and snow showers will lead to ice and snow accumulating on many surfaces.

“Longer journey times by road, bus and train services are likely while some vehicles could become stranded.

“Ice is likely to form on untreated pavements, cycle paths and roads leading to some injuries from slips and falls.

“Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.”

The North West Motorway Police tweeted that there had already been “numerous reports” of accidents on the roads due to the conditions, and urged drivers to slow down, be careful and take their time.