Amber alert issued over snowstorm in the UK, here's what you should expect

Snowstorms are expected across large parts of England today as temperatures dropped as low as -16C last night. The freezing weather marks the lowest temperature in March in the UK since 2010.

The extreme weather has caused The Met Office to issue an amber weather warning, which means there is a potential risk to life with blizzard conditions a real possibility.

Amber weather warning

The amber weather warning is in place from midday today until 9.00 tomorrow across Wales, and from 15.00 until midday tomorrow in the Midlands, though this could be extended. The warning means travel delays and power cuts are likely as well as a high risk of injury as the icy conditions endure.

Temperatures dropped to -16C in Altnaharra in the Highlands overnight and there is a snowstorm warning as the UK faces 16 inches of snow after some of its coldest weather for a decade.

The Met Office’s Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, explained, as per The Telegraph:

An Amber warning for snow has been issued for the high ground running north in the centre of northern England as snow redevelops through the course of Thursday and persist until early Friday.

Here we could see up to 40cm of snow accompanied by strong winds causing blizzard conditions.

There is also a yellow weather warning in place until tomorrow in parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland as the snow and ice continue to blanket the country.

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What to expect

The amber weather warning means you can expect to see, as per The Met Office:

• Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
• Some delays and cancellations to rail and bus services are likely
• There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
• Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
• Injuries from slips and falls are likely on icy surfaces

As snowstorms and blizzard conditions cause disruption across the UK, it is advised that people stay indoors and do not drive. However, if you do have to drive, guidancw on how to do so safely are available here. The Met Office has also given 5 tips on how to stay safe in the snow and also some advice on how to prevent your pipes from being frozen.

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Sources used:

- The Telegraph 'UK weather: Met Office forecasts 15 inches of snow and issues 'risk to life' warning'

- The Met Office 'UK weather warnings'

- The Mirror 'Snow LIVE: Freezing weather plunges UK in -16 Arctic chill in coldest night of the year'