Met Office Warns of Severe Weather as Snow Blankets UK in Early Winter Storm

November 19, 2024 TruthUSA

The recent cold snap in November has led to disruptions in travel and school closures nationwide.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK, marking the “first taste of winter” according to the Met Office.

Areas in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland experienced wintry weather on Monday, with yellow weather warnings in effect until Wednesday. Northern Scotland is expected to receive 2 to 5cm of snow by Tuesday’s end, impacting regions in England like Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire.

Northern England, North Wales, and parts of the Midlands saw rain, sleet, and snow clearing on Tuesday morning, with warnings of icy patches on untreated surfaces. Meteorologists predict snow accumulation on hills and some snow settling at lower levels.

The Met Office warned of snowy weather affecting local roads, causing delays, and making driving hazardous.

Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Dan Suri, stated that disruptions on Tuesday morning are expected to coincide with rush hour, affecting a central area of the UK and causing travel delays.

National Highways issued an amber severe weather alert for snow in the north east and north west regions, in effect until early hours of Tuesday morning. Disruptions on roads like the M1 in Leeds and Sheffield, the M56 in Manchester, and various junctions on the M6 and M62 have been announced.

National Highways severe weather resilience manager, Darren Clark, emphasized the importance of driving cautiously in adverse conditions, urging drivers to stay vigilant and adjust their speed according to the weather.

Road users have been advised to check for closures and pack essentials like food and warm clothing for their journeys.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports, and pack a snow kit with blankets, food, water, and a shovel,” Clark recommended.

The National Rail reported weather-related issues affecting their routes in England, Wales, and Scotland on Tuesday.

Inclement weather conditions also resulted in school closures across England and Wales.

Winter Fuel Payments

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber cold health alert for most of England on Monday.

The agency warned that the cold weather could strain health services due to increased demand, especially affecting vulnerable populations like those aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions. Maintaining adequate indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes poses a challenge.

Vulnerable groups may struggle to maintain suitable indoor temperatures, the UKHSA noted.

This warning coincides with changes to Winter Fuel Payments that have left many older individuals concerned. Alterations to benefit payments, announced in July by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, have impacted millions of pensioners nationwide.

The loss of Winter Fuel Payment has heightened anxieties among pensioners about heating their homes this winter, as stated by Age UK.

Caroline Abrahams, the charity’s director, commented: “With rising energy costs and food prices, some may feel compelled to scale back on essentials like heating, but prolonged cold exposure can significantly impact the health of older individuals, especially those managing existing illnesses.”

“Cold weather can elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, and breathing cold air can heighten susceptibility to serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”

PA Media contributed to this report.

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