Brits warned of snow on roads and black ice as freezing conditions continue

09 January 2024 , 06:19

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Brits warned of snow on roads and black ice as freezing conditions continue

Brits have been warned enough snow and ice overnight to warrant a yellow warning could make roads treacherous on the morning commute.

Temperatures last night dropped as low as -8C in some places, and several places in the south east experienced snowfall as a few centimetres fell. As a result of the conditions overnight, early morning commuters have been warned by the Met Office of the dangers of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. The wintry scene, though pretty, could cause some injuries from slips on the icy and snowy surfaces. Temperatures are expected to rise no higher than between 1C and 3C, while the winds in the south will make it feel colder still.

The Met Office said: “A cold and frosty start to Tuesday with mist and freezing fog patches in northern Scotland. Elsewhere, sunny spells developing through the morning, although a few scattered showers in the far southwest

“Drier and brighter for most, especially across the south which will see long sunny periods. A few wintry showers, mainly northeast and southwest England. Feeling cold especially in brisk winds.”

The South Downs near Brighton were coated with snow yesterday (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Those heading to work this morning have been urged to check rail routes and roads before setting off. People are also advised to wear several layers of clothing and be aware of black ice which can be a severe danger to both road users and pedestrians.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

An amber cold health alert for the North West of England, the Midlands, the South West of England and the South East of England remains in place until noon on Friday. Issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it warns “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”. There is also a yellow cold health alert in place for the North East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East of England and London.

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The risk of flooding has also not passed, as the Environment Agency warned "significant" floods are expected to continue on parts of the lower River Trent, with minor impacts expected there and along the rivers Thames and Severn until Wednesday. Minor groundwater flooding is expected across parts of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and could possibly hit other parts of the south as well as Yorkshire.

Antony Clements-Thrower