‘It’s a ruddy miracle’: Snow blankets parts of England and Scotland, raising hopes of a white Christmas

Other parts of UK dealing with floods after torrential rain

A jogger runs near the Angel of The North sculpture as snow begins to fall in Gateshead (Reuters)

Some parts of Scotland and the northeast and northwest of England have woken up to a blanket of snow on Christmas Eve, with many hoping the snow will last until Christmas Day.

Social media users posted images and videos of snow falling and settling on the ground and rooftops in County Durham, Teesside, Newcastle, and Aberdeen.

But it has brought icy conditions on the roads, causing travel disruption and dangerous driving conditions.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for ice in the northeast of Scotland and the northeast of England, which says that “icy patches will lead to some difficult driving conditions” in the affected areas. The warnings remain in place until 10am on Christmas Day.

Lower temperatures on the morning of 25 December could mean a frosty “white Christmas” for more people, with eastern parts of England possibly experiencing sleet or snow.

Alex Burkill, a meteorologist for the Met Office, told the PA news agency: “Christmas Eve night into Christmas Day is going to be very cold, with harsh widespread frost first thing Christmas morning.

“So it could be a ‘white’ Christmas in as much as lots of people are going to wake up to a frost.”

He also said a small amount of snow may settle on the hills and mountains in Scotland. But for most areas, Christmas Day is expected to be cold but dry, with some spells of sunshine.

But for now, those experiencing snow are enjoying the sight as it lifts spirits for what is a difficult and strange Christmas period for many.

“Actual snow on Christmas Eve, it’s a ruddy miracle,” said one person, sharing a photo of the snow falling in County Durham.

“No need to dream of a white Christmas!” said another from Yorkshire.

Not everyone is too happy about the snow, with some people sharing photos of traffic building up in Teesside.

Other people in parts of England without snow also shared their disappointment at the lack of snow in their areas.

One person said: “I would let 2020 slide if I wake up tomorrow morning to a white Christmas for my kids!”

Another said: “Wake up and see #uksnow trending and sat here like where? I want snow."