Emergency services across Yorkshire are bracing themselves for a chaotic weekend as the Met Office issues a rare amber alert today.
Several accident and emergency departments are on high alert as up to 40cm of snow is predicted to fall across Yorkshire. Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, York, Doncaster and Notherhallerton have been issued an amber alert from around 9pm Saturday, January 4 until midnight on Sunday, with a ‘severe warning’ for ice and snow.
This comes after The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) for all regions of England from midday on Thursday, January 2, until midday on Wednesday, January 8. All regions had previously been under a yellow CHA.
The expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and pose an increase in risk to health for those aged 65 years and over and/or with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
Snow chaos predicted over the weekend
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
The alert has also triggered the first DWP Cold Weather Payments of 2025. This means that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) pays £25 to eligible households on certain benefits when temperatures drop during the colder months between November and March. It is triggered when the temperature is recorded as or forecast to be 0C or below for seven consecutive days.
Saturday’s forecast, according to the Met Office, will be a ‘frosty start’ with any early cloud and lingering mist or fog patches gradually clearing. It will be a cold day followed with morning sunny spells that soon turn hazy as high cloud spreads north. The maximum temperature will be 4 °C.
Whereas the forecast for Sunday to Tuesday says there will be some early snow over hills, but turning to rain from the south. It will be windy and will stay cold Monday and Tuesday, with sunny spells and isolated snow showers.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly, said: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions.
“We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales. Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.
“There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially Wales, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places. As the supercooled rain droplets hit the surface they instantly freeze, covering everything in a layer of ice, making it extremely dangerous.”
In an effort to prepare residents for the disruption, North Yorkshire Police have asked residents to check their own ‘readiness’ while also checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. They also said: “Remember, journeys will inevitably take longer in wintry conditions – so please, make sure you ‘drive to arrive’, by: checking local traffic information before you set off, driving according to the conditions and leaving extra travel time.”
South Yorkshire Police also wanted to remind residents about de-icing their cars, not to commit a crime and how to stop thieves. They said: “It may be tempting to turn your engine on and leave your vehicle to warm up as you continue with your morning routine, but we want to remind you that it is a criminal offence to leave a parked vehicle unattended while the engine is still running.
“Leaving your car unattended will also provide opportunist vehicle thieves with a chance to drive away without being noticed. Allow yourselves extra time in the morning to ensure you have sufficient visibility before you drive your vehicle, and remember to always stay with your car while the engine is running.”
Some hospitals like Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust predict the choas to create a busy waiting room comparable to the scenes of Christmas and New Year.
They said: “Our emergency care teams expect to be very busy this weekend. Please help us by planning ahead for any care needs. Following an exceptionally busy Christmas and New Year period, and with forecasted snow and ice in the coming days, we are expecting our Accident and Emergency department to be busier than ever and waiting times will be long for non urgent illnesses or injuries.
“You can help us and yourself by choosing the right place for your care needs and also planning ahead to prevent you from becoming ill and needing medical attention. For example, booking GP appointments, ensuring that you have any medications you need and avoiding any unnecessary journeys in bad weather.”
Regions and local authorities in Yorkshire affected
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Kingston upon Hull
- North East Lincolnshire
- North Lincolnshire
- North Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
- Middlesbrough
- Redcar and Cleveland
- York
National Highways have also advised motorists about the upcoming weather conditions which they admit can vary ‘considerably’ throughout the winter and sometimes change at short notice.
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, said: “If you are travelling this weekend, keep your distance and reduce your speed. Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.
“Even in conditions that seem normal and where the snow is not settling you could always experience slippery conditions. Drivers should plan their journeys, check their vehicles, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”
National Rail and other train companies have warned ticket buyers/ holders of ‘poor weather’ over the weekend which they think will stop on Monday, January 6.
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