Overnight snow showers prompts fear of road and rail chaos in the UK

A heavy Arctic Blast has hit the United Kingdom overnight, resulting in snowfall across the country. This has led to concerns of road and railway chaos during morning commutes.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in central and southern areas of England and Wales today and tomorrow.

Temperatures are expected to fall as low as -10C in rural areas of the North and as low as -3C or -4C in the South. In the Highland areas of Scotland, temperatures could fall as low as -15C.

The next band of wintry weather is set to move north from the English Channel tomorrow morning and return in western areas later in the day, which could produce up to 4 inches of snow over South Wales and southwest England.

A combination of weather phenomena has occurred for the first time since the ‘Beast from the East’ brought days of freezing weather in late February and March 2018.

The Met Office warns of further heavy snow accompanied by strong winds in the North from the early hours of Thursday until Friday evening, which could lead to blocked roads and stranded vehicles, while some communities could be ‘cut off for several days’.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed North East England, North West England, and Yorkshire under a level three cold weather alert, with the rest of England at level two, until midnight on Thursday.

There is a 90% chance of severely cold weather, icy conditions or heavy snow, which could increase the health risk to vulnerable patients.

People are advised to look out for those most at risk from cold weather such as those with medical conditions or aged over 65.

In addition to the travel disruption and road blockages, the plunging temperatures will also affect energy bills during the cost of living crisis.

The UKHSA offers free advice on energy efficiency and national grants to help warm homes. It is advised to wear several layers of thinner clothing to keep warm and to consume hot food and drinks.