Snow and ice warnings with threat of more 'thundersnow' and travel disruption

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for snow and ice in parts of the UK – amid warnings of travel disruption and the threat of lightning strikes that could cause some homes to lose power.

The two Met Office warnings are in place for northwest England, western Scotland and Northern Ireland until midday, with frequent sleet, hail and snow showers forecast.

They come with cautions about travel disruption, the chance of power cuts and icy patches on roads – making for tricky driving conditions.

Wintry showers are forecast to be replaced with wind and rain pushing eastwards later on.

⚠️ Yellow weather warning updated ⚠️

Snow showers & ice across parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland this morning

Valid until 1100

Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs

Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/nKq00ChCPa

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: “Friday morning will bring more wintry showers, some heavy and perhaps thundery, but central and eastern England look mainly fine.

“Snow will continue to accumulate on the hills, especially across Northern Ireland, western Scotland and northwest England – 2 to 5cm is possible above 100m and up to 15cm on the highest ground.”

Prospect of thundersnow

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Forecasters are warning snow showers and lightning strikes could disrupt travel and cause power outages.

The prospect of thundersnow – a relatively rare phenomenon – is driven by the same conditions which cause thunder in the summer, the difference in temperature between the ground and the air surrounding it.

Robinson said: “Thundersnow will remain a risk in the far North West, especially for northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“Meanwhile, more general rain and hill snow will move into the windy South West.”

Travel disruption

National Highways has warned of a “severe weather event” on it’s website and issued a “severe weather” alert for snow affecting the north of England and the West Midlands until 6pm on Friday.

The A66 in north England is closed with efforts to recover stranded vehicles, according to reports.

We have issued a severe weather alert for forecasted heavy snowfall in the North of England and the West Midlands throughout today until 6pm.
Stay #WeatherAware by following @metoffice and keeping up to date with the forecast. https://t.co/POnhUXHdCE pic.twitter.com/BVmNnED01j

Traffic Scotland reported that heavy snow overnight is affecting many routes on Friday morning, including the M77 and M74, and urged drivers to take extra care.

It said multiple vehicles were stuck on the M8 E/B exit sliproad at J16 due to difficult driving conditions and that gritters were on their way to the scene.

Bear North West Trunk Roads said there is snow on routes including the A82 in the Glencoe and Tyndrum area, the A9 and the A83.

Meanwhile, police in East Dunbartonshire tweeted: “Please take care if you need to head out in your car this morning.

“There are a number of vehicles abandoned throughout East Dunbartonshire due to the weather. Stay at home if you can, and travel later once the roads are a bit clearer.”

Coldest night of the winter so far

A temperature of -8C (17.6F) was recorded on Thursday morning in Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, making it the lowest temperature recorded in England this winter.

Blustery conditions made the temperatures feel colder for many throughout the day as air from the Canadian Arctic swept across the UK.

Milder weekend

The Met Office has forecast milder conditions going into the weekend.

A spell of wet and windy weather is forecast across all parts of the UK on Saturday, with heavy rain likely in most areas.

Sunshine and scattered showers will replace the rain across western areas by the afternoon.

Sunday is expected to be mostly dry with spells of sunshine across most parts, with some showers forecast for northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Robinson said: “It will be colder tonight than the one just gone. Expect a widespread frost across northern, eastern and central Britain, with icy stretches possible. Temperatures will rise in the West ahead of rain moving in.

“Saturday will be milder than recently, with temperatures above average for Wales and much of England. Expect an early high of 10-12C (50-53F) in the South West and around 6-9C (43-48F) in the North.

“Sunday will see temperatures around a degree or two down on Saturday, but it will probably feel warmer with more sunshine and lighter winds. Temperatures will range from 6 to 10C (43-50F).”

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