Parts of the UK have woken to blizzard conditions today (Image: Alex Evans)
Heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions have brought much of the UK to a standstill this morning, with several parts of northern England and Scotland seeing several centimetres of settled snow.
Blizzard conditions set in across Yorkshire including Leeds on Saturday morning, with households across the north of England waking up to heavy .
A serious amber warning for heavy with forecasters warning of disruption from the snow and then icy rain showers which will follow.
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It said: “Heavy snow on Saturday, followed by a rapid thaw and subsequent rain on Saturday night, may cause some disruption.
“Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards on Saturday, preceded by a spell of snow across parts of northern England and Scotland. Whilst snow will become increasingly confined to higher elevations with time, there is the chance of a transient period of snow to low levels in some areas, with perhaps as much as 5-10 cm accumulating in places, especially the Vale of York, before turning back to rain. Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20 cm are possible on ground above 150m, with perhaps as much as 20-40 cm above 300m.”
Snow has already arrived in several parts of the UK and more could be on the way today and on Sunday.
Energy supplier has a list of advice for homes, urging people to do 10 things to prepare.
The list includes: Improve insulation, including weatherproofing gaps around windows and doors.
Protect pipes, and put insulating tubing on any exposed pipes for your boiler or heating or water supply.
Store extra wood for a log burner indoors, in case you can’t get to it, and don’t put electric heaters near furniture.
The firm also urged people to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if using indoor heating like a log burner.
Households were also urged to check where their stopcock is, in case they need to turn off the water supply due to a burst pipe.
British Gas then told households to prepare for not having heating. It said; “While it’s unlikely that a heavy snowfall will leave you without any heating, it’s always worth keeping sleeping bags, blankets and warm coats handy.”
Its seventh tip relates to gardens, adding: “While it’s unlikely that a heavy snowfall will leave you without any heating, it’s always worth keeping sleeping bags, blankets and warm coats handy.”
The supplier also urged people to make an emergency kit, adding: “It’s a good habit to have at least three days’ worth of food and essentials stored in an easy-to-reach part of your home.
That’s things like medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. You should also keep a torch, batteries and a phone charger close by too.”
For those with a car, the firm said to check several key things, It said: “Have your brakes, heater, tyres and windscreen wipers checked to make sure they’re in good working order before winter.”
And finally, British Gas urged people to check on neighbours as it added: “vWhen severe weather hits, you might find yourself stranded away from home. So plan how you’ll stay in contact with the rest of your household and where you’ll meet if you can’t get home due to heavy snow.
“Check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours to make sure they’ve got everything they need to get through a cold snap”