UK weather – latest: Snow and ice warnings as Brits warned conditions ‘worse rather than better’
Saturday and Sunday slapped with fresh set of alerts for snow and ice
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Britain has been warned of more snow and ice this weekend after temperatures plummeted to -10C overnight.
Conditions are “actually going to get worse rather than better”, said Andrew Page-Dove of the National Highways, as there is risk of freezing rain on the roads after Storm Larisa.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice which cover large swathes of the country.
Met Office meteorologist Matthew Box said rain, sleet and snow will push northeast across the country during the weekend, likely falling on the hills and mountains of the Pennines, the Cumbrian vales and some parts of Scotland.
But added snowfall would be “nothing to the same extent as what we saw on Thursday”.
It comes after persistent snowfall caused “absolute carnage” on the M62 trans-Pennine motorway on Friday.
Storm Larisa brought with it “treacherous conditions”, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.
Latest images as blizzards tear through country
Six rescued from mountain as snow warning is put in place for Ireland
Six people have been rescued from a mountain in Co Kerry overnight amid “dangerous” conditions as a snow warning has been put in place for the entire island of Ireland.
Kerry Mountain Rescue Team were responding to reports that a female hillwalker had fallen in the eastern part of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
It then received reports that other hillwalkers were in difficulty and found six people stuck 150 metres from the bottom of a gully.
“Conditions on the hill were very poor, rending any approach to the casualties from the bottom of the gully dangerous,” it said.
Rescuers climbed to a point above the trapped people and abseiled down to them.
The casualties were secured to haul lines that were used to bring them all safely to the top of the ridge.
“Apart from being very cold and fatigued, thankfully none of the casualties were injured and the rescue concluded at approximately 1.30am,” it said.
Camilla cancels engagement due to weather
The Queen Consort has pulled out of engagements in Newmarket after the weather disrupted her travel plans, Buckingham Palace said.
A Palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty’s engagements at Newmarket later today have had to be postponed due to the weather impacting on transport arrangements.
“Her Majesty is of course very sorry not to be able to attend and will hope to find another date to visit in due course.”
Camilla was due to visit the British Racing School to mark its 40th anniversary and later unveil a painting at the British Sporting Art Trust in the Suffolk market town on Thursday.
The decision to postpone was taken on Thursday morning when the weather was reviewed and attempts to find alternative arrangements were not successful.
New yellow warning for snow and ice issued across Scotland
In pictures: Britons brave the elements
Breakdowns up 50%, says RAC
The RAC says there have been 50 per cent more breakdowns than usual in the areas worse affected by the weather, with some drivers stuck in the snow in parts of South Yorkshire and Wales.
Spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Rural routes through central and northern England covered by the Met Office’s amber weather warning are starting to get difficult to negotiate, and these are areas drivers should avoid if they can.
“Given the weather, we recommend thinking carefully before setting out today as, with more snow forecast, things are likely to get worse on the roads before they get better.
“These aren’t conditions anyone wants to be caught out in, so those who have to drive need to be confident on potentially slippery surfaces, have ensured their vehicles are up to the task, and are carrying an emergency breakdown kit so they can stay warm and communicate easily should they get stuck or break down.”
East Midlands Airport, in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, has temporarily closed its runway due to the weather.
The airport is under a yellow weather warning for snow in Leicestershire in place until 2pm on Friday.
In a statement, the airport said: “Following a period of heavy snowfall, we have temporarily closed our runway.
“Health and safety will always be our top priority and operations will resume at the earliest opportunity.
“Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.”
Bristol Airport delays persist
Departures from Bristol Airport are still being delayed by “low visibility and snow disruption” along with French air traffic control strikes.
It comes after snowy conditions on Wednesday disrupted flights and forced the airport to close.
Passengers have been advised to contact their airline before travelling.
Tens of thousands of homes without power as snow storms sweep across country
Tens of thousands of homes across the UK have suffered power outages as snow storms descend across the country.
Record low temperatures and persistent snowfall has caused around 37,000 consumers to lose power across the south east and east of England, according to UK Power Networks – though the actual nationwide figure is thought to be closer to the 40,000 mark.
Some 37,781 customers in West Sussex alone have lost power, while around 478 in Greater London have been impacted.
Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hertfordshire are also mired by power cuts.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies