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UK weather: Snow blankets parts of country ahead of cold snap

The Met Office has issued 'Be Aware' guidelines for much of north England and Scotland

Rose Troup Buchanan
Saturday 21 February 2015 18:04 GMT
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Snow blankets the Sussex lane early this morning
Snow blankets the Sussex lane early this morning

Many in Britain woke up to snow today as icy conditions hit the UK ahead of a cold snap expected this weekend.

As the country cools down after a bright few days, coastal residents are also preparing themselves for a ‘super moon’ tide as the Environment Agency issued 12 flood warnings and 59 Flood Alerts for the weekend.

Parts of southern England had a light blanketing of snow this morning, while Cumbrian residents yesterday enjoyed a heavy snowfall.

Early rising Londoners were treated to a brief fall of snowflakes this morning, but the dusting soon disappeared on the wet ground from the previous days’ rain.

The Met Office has issue a “Be Aware” warning for much of northern England and all of Scotland in the coming days, telling locals that accumulations of 2cm to 5cm are expected in places above 150m, with 10cm or more over high ground above 300m.

The forecaster also told people to expect winds of up to 50mph along coastal areas and hills, warning drivers to be aware of possible difficult driving conditions.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: “An Atlantic frontal system will meet colder air over northern parts of the UK, bringing the risk of snow, especially over high ground and the northern half of Scotland.

“Whilst much of this will turn back to rain at low levels, routes above about 150 m over northern Scotland and about 350 m over northern England will have a prolonged spell of snow, which will drift in the strong winds.”

Temperatures could dip as low as -5C in some locations.

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