An Arctic cold snap has gripped the UK, leading to an amber cold health alert by the UK Health Security Agency and upgraded weather warnings. Anticipated snowfall of up to 15 inches in some parts of Britain is expected today and tomorrow. Social media images have shown snow settling in various regions such as Wales, Wolverhampton, Telford, Birmingham, and Scotland, with potential snow depths of up to 40cm by Monday.
The severe wintry weather has caused major motorways to come to a standstill, resulting in hazardous driving conditions and expected travel delays on roads, railways, and air travel. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has highlighted the added pressure on NHS hospitals due to the “bitingly cold snap,” emphasizing the importance of flu vaccinations and urging people to only visit A&E in emergencies.
Snow and ice are forecast across the country, with amber snow warnings for northern Scotland from midday, followed by freezing conditions moving southeast over parts of England and Wales. Some areas may see 2cm of snow, with higher grounds potentially receiving up to 5cm.
As the cold weather persists, travel disruptions are expected to continue until Sunday, according to Transport for London. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice affecting various parts of England, Wales, and Scotland. Additionally, a gradual drop in temperatures is anticipated across Europe, with some regions transitioning from sunshine to colder conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended the amber cold health alert to cover all regions of England until Tuesday, with yellow alerts in place for several other English regions. The warnings indicate potential risks to the entire population, leading to increased demands on healthcare services and anticipated travel disruptions post-Christmas.
The article details incidents of travel disruptions, weather impacts on different regions, and recommendations for staying safe during icy and snowy conditions. With continuous alerts and forecasts, the population is advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated on weather developments.
