Met Office forecast: Floods spark major incident as snow and -7.1C freeze hits UK

Weather warnings are in place as more snow and ice expected in cold snap

Arctic blast: Pets frolic as Britain blanketed by freshly fallen snow

A major incident has been declared in Somerset due to the risk of flooding, while yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK.

The Environment Agency announced the move as it responded to flooding incidents in Somerset, flood risk in the Bristol Avon area and monitored rising groundwater levels in Dorset.

Three additional pumps began working at Northmoor pumping station on Tuesday evening to reduce the amount of water being stored until river levels allow pumping to resume at Currymoor, which remains full.

Snow and ice warnings are in force for parts of South West England, Wales, North West England, Northern Ireland and northern Scotland and the Highlands. The lowest temperature recorded last night in the UK was minus 7.1C in Benson, Oxfordshire.

Forecasters have warned that travel could be disrupted in some of the affected areas. “Some roads and railways affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services,” the Met Office says.

Key points

• Major incident declared over Somerset flood risk
• Weather warnings extended into Thursday
• Snow blankets the Highlands

[18 January 2023 12:00 · Matt Mathers]

Outlook for Wednesday to Saturday

Tonight

A largely dry evening with clear spells and daytime showers will largely ease. Overnight will be dry with lengthy clear spells and just some patchy cloud. There is a chance of showers developing, mostly across northern Scotland. Moderate to brisk north-westerly winds will be locally strong

Tomorrow

Cloud will break to reveal a fine day as it will be dry and bright with lots of winter sunshine and just some patch cloud. There is a chance of showers developing across northern areas which may be wintry. Gentle to moderate westerly winds will be locally brisk and may be strong across Scotland

Friday and Saturday

Cloud will break on Friday to leave a fine day as it will be dry with lots of winter sunshine however there will be outbreaks of rain across south-west England. Mainly cloudy on Saturday across northern Britain and Northern Ireland with spells of patchy rain but dry with sunny spells further south

[18 January 2023 12:59 · Matt Mathers]

UK weather: Snow and ice warnings extended as temperatures plunge to -10C

Warnings for snow and ice have been extended into Thursday as temperatures plunged as low as -10C.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings across large parts of the UK as the latest cold snap continues to bite.

My colleague Emily Atkinson reports:

[18 January 2023 14:24 · Liam James]

Snow blankets the Highlands: In pictures

Pictures are coming through of wintry scenes in the Highlands as snow continues to fall today.

Snow on Loch Morlich in Aviemore in the Highlands (Getty)

A group poses for a selfie in woods by Loch Morlich (Getty)

Snow falls over Old Pack Horse Bridge in Carrbridge in the Highlands (Getty)

[18 January 2023 15:30 · Liam James]

Major incident declared over Somerset flood risk

A major incident has been declared in Somerset due to the risk of flooding, while yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK.

The Environment Agency announced the move, which it described as “precautionary” earlier today.

Three additional pumps began working at Northmoor pumping station on Tuesday evening to reduce the amount of water being stored until river levels allow pumping to resume at Currymoor, which remains full.

The agency said it was responding to flooding incidents in Somerset, flood risk in the Bristol Avon area and was monitoring rising groundwater levels in Dorset.

A car drives through floodwater near Muchelney (PA)

A car turns around in the road to avoid floodwater (PA)

[18 January 2023 16:30 · Liam James]

Snow shuts school in Wales

Schools in Wales were closed due to snow and icy conditions.

Roads were also closed around the country due to the weather.

Schools have been closed in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Powys, and Rhondda Cynon Taf on Wednesday morning, according to councils.

Wales is covered by Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice today and tomorrow.

[18 January 2023 17:30 · Liam James]

UK weather map shows where snow could hit in next 24 hours

Maryam Zakir Hussain has prepared a map of the areas expected to see snowfall today and tomorrow:

[18 January 2023 18:30 · Liam James]

Cold weather warning for people with diabetes

A charity has issued a warning to people with diabetes to keep warm as the temperatures plummet.

Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK said: “It really is important to stay warm, because the cold can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes – and diabetes makes people more at risk of these complications.

“We know the cost-of-living crisis may affect your ability to heat your home, but you might be entitled to grants or benefits to help make your home more energy efficient.

“Follow NHS advice and heat your home to at least 18°C in the rooms you regularly use and keep bedroom windows closed at night. For more support, information and guidance regarding diabetes and the cold weather, visit diabetes.org.uk.”

[18 January 2023 19:30 · Liam James]

UK weather: How to drive safely through snow and ice

Joe Sommerlad brings you a guide to keeping safe on the roads in dangerous conditions:

[18 January 2023 20:30 · Liam James]

Showers, sleet and snow: Latest from the Met Office

The Met Office said today that northern and western parts of Britain will see chilly showers this evening that are likely to be a mix of rain, sleet and snow.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice cover northern and western areas until midday tomorrow.