THE MET office has revealed the exact time an amber warning will hit, bringing the worst of a -10C cold blast and up to 16 inches of snow.
Temperatures are set to plunge from 6pm tomorrow, according to the weather agency's warning - as Brits are warned of potential power outages and travel chaos.
The amber alert covers much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, with snowstorms expected to bring roads, railways, and airports grinding to a halt.
Regions like the East Midlands, North West England, West Midlands, and Yorkshire are among those in the firing line, alongside parts of Wales and London.
The amber weather warning for snow and freezing rain kicks off at 6pm Saturday and lasts until noon on Sunday.
A second amber warning for northern England runs from 9pm Saturday to midnight Sunday, while a yellow warning for snow is in place for almost the entire country from tomorrow at noon.
Heavy snow is predicted to sweep across the country, with 3-7cm expected in many areas and a whopping 15-30cm over the hills of Wales and the Pennines.
Freezing rain is also on the cards as experts warn the freeze could cut off rural communities and leave untreated paths completely impassable.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “The snow will be persistent and locally heavy, with freezing rain bringing hazardous travel conditions before milder air starts to thaw things out on Sunday morning.”
Railways are likely to experience delays or cancellations, with National Rail confirming that various routes across the UK are impacted.
Motorists and pedestrians alike are warned to be wary of icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, or cycle paths.
Rail services have already been hit, with Northern and ScotRail confirming delays and cancellations, while buses are replacing trains in Wales between between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
National Highways has advised drivers to use dipped headlights, accelerate gently, and avoid slamming on brakes to stay safe on icy roads.
As the mercury plunges to -10C in some parts of the UK, public health officials have issued stark warnings to stay indoors during the worst of the freeze.
Vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with health problems, are particularly at risk.
Herefordshire authorities are urging residents to stock up on food and medicine, while London councils have activated emergency shelters for rough sleepers as freezing temperatures persist.
Regions and Local Authorities Affected:
East Midlands
North East England
North West England
West Midlands
Yorkshire & Humber
Wales
London & South East England
South West England
Age UK has called on pensioners to keep their heating on, even if it means higher bills, amid fears the government’s winter fuel allowance cuts will leave many struggling.
NHS chiefs have echoed warnings, urging people to avoid venturing out early in the morning or late at night when icy conditions are at their worst.
It comes as tragedy struck last night in Lincolnshire when a seven-month-old baby lost his life in a crash on an icy stretch of the A1.
The car, a yellow Honda Jazz, skidded off the road, struck a tree, and returned to the carriageway.
The infant was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved. A woman travelling in the car suffered serious injuries, while two other passengers escaped with minor wounds.
Police are investigating whether the crash was caused by icy conditions, as authorities continue to warn against unnecessary journeys in the severe weather.
The Met Office predicts temperatures will climb slightly on Sunday, offering a brief respite before plunging again early next week.
Forecasters say the second half of Sunday will see milder air creep in, with highs in the single digits. But don’t pack away your thermals yet – another icy blast is expected on Monday and Tuesday.
Met Office expert Dan Stroud said: “Temperatures will dive again next week, but they should start to improve towards the latter part of the week.”
For now, Brits are urged to stay safe, stock up on essentials, and keep an eye on weather updates as the worst of the big freeze bears down.
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