Over 200 schools have been forced to closed as an arctic blast sweeps the Uk (Image: Met Office / Getty)
Britons have been told to expect as much as four more inches of snow today, with half a dozen weather warnings in place across the country.
Several yellow weather warnings are now active across England and Scotland as more than 200 schools were forced to close and icy conditions wreaked havoc on the roads.
Yellow warnings are issued when it’s likely weather will cause disruption to travel, and there is a danger of slips and falls on icy surfaces.
The warnings, for snow and ice, stretch across large areas of southern England and the Midlands, Wales, Northern Ireland, east England, west Scotland and northern Scotland.
Four inches of snow is expected to fall in east England, with a warning in place until noon today (Wednesday) and another, for the north of Scotland, in place until noon tomorrow. The other warnings ended at 10am today.
Scotland is expected to be hit particularly hard, with some areas seeing 10cm of snow accumulating.
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The six yellow weather warnings were in place this morning across the UK. (Image: Met Office)
In mountainous areas of Scotland there could be up 20cm of accumulated snow by the end of the week.
Residents in these areas face possible power cuts, isolated areas being cut off, and mobile phone coverage being impacted. Locals were also cautioned about the risk of falls on icy surfaces, among other warnings.
spokesperson Stephen Dixon said: “This will feel like the first taste of winter for many, with the snow and ice risks layered on top.”
Some journeys by road and rail could take longer in the morning, the goverment agency says, with motors advised to allow extra time and pack items likes blankets, spades, phone chargers, as well as food and water in case of emergencies.
National Rail has advised passengers to check the status of their journey before travelling.
[REPORT]
It’s a cold start to Wednesday morning with widespread frost across the country ??????Wintry showers continue to affect northern Scotland and coastal regions through the morning, but expect plenty of sunshine further inland ☀️Stay ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice)
Walkers have also been warned to be wary of icy surfaces, while cyclists are advised to stick to main roads more likely to have been appropriately treated.
The mercury is expected to drop close to or below zero overnight, while snow accumulations could range from around two centimetres to 10cm or more on higher ground, as per .
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a amber cold weather health alert, its first of the season.
Both the UKHSA and charity Age UK, warned that the weather conditions hitting the UK can be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly, urging people to check on neighbours.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.”
Met Office forecast for Sunday, November 24 – Tuesday, December 3
An unsettled start, with a spell of very strong winds and some rain or showers
for all parts. It will be mild for most parts, especially towards the southeast, although the strong winds will make it feel rather cold. The start of next week looks like turning colder for all parts, with a return of wintry showers for a time, especially in the north. Conditions then look like settling down as high pressure builds across the country.
Although the high may drift off to the east later next week, mainly dry and settled conditions seem likely to persist, especially towards the south and east where fog may become an issue. Temperatures trending back towards average, but overnight frosts are likely and rather cold days where fog persists.
You can find the latest warnings and advice .