Four UK regions have been hit by a rare amber weather alert (Image: Met Office / Getty)
The has slapped a rare amber on four UK regions as Storm Bert threatens to wreak havoc across large parts of Britain later this week.
The 10-hour alert is in place for parts of Scotland this weekend, as gusts of up to 70mph will hammer into the British Isles.
The Grampian, Central, Tayside & Fife, Highlands & Eilean Siar, and Strathclyde areas are all impacted by the severe warning between 7am and 5pm on Saturday, November 23.
’s arrival follows a , which have already caused hazardous conditions across northern and exposed areas.
Snow and ice warnings remain in place for parts of the UK through Friday, as cold air persists.
Drivers are advised to be cautious while driving this weekend (Image: Getty)
The weather warning from the reads: “Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on hills above 400m.
“Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.
Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.”
Southern and western regions of the UK will face heavy rainfall, with 50-75 mm expected widely and over 100 mm possible in parts of Wales and southwest England.
Rapid snowmelt and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate the risks of flooding and travel disruption. In northern England and Scotland, snowfall could be heavy, particularly over elevated areas.
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The (UKHSA) has issued Cold Health Alerts for England, urging health and social care professionals to prepare for the impacts of prolonged cold weather. The public is also encouraged to stay informed and take precautions.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With freezing temperatures already causing disruption, we advise motorists to plan well and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Stick to major roads, reduce speeds, and carry essentials like blankets, warm clothing, and phone chargers.”
The unsettled weather is expected to persist into early next week, with strong winds and showers affecting many areas.
Although temperatures will average out for most, a brief return to colder conditions with wintry showers may occur before milder weather resumes by the end of next week.