The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for snow and ice. Rain is expected to turn to snow in some parts of the UK on New Year’s Day.
The wintry weather is expected to lead to travel disruption and ‘difficult’ driving conditions, the Met Office warned. Trains and buses will also be impacted as the flurries hit.
Forecasters have said that people could be injured through slips and falls in icy areas. The yellow weather warning for snow and ice will come into at midnight on Wednesday, January 1, and end at 9am on Thursday, January 2.
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The Met Office said: “A band of rain will turn increasingly to snow at low levels as it moves south Wednesday morning, then clearing to snow showers in the afternoon, which will continue overnight and through to Thursday morning. 1-3cm are likely at low levels with 5-10cm above 300m, leading to difficult driving conditions and some travel disruption.”
The alert was issued by the Met Office on Monday, December 30. It will affect areas in northern Scotland.
The Met Office added: “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey.
“Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary. If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
“Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.
“If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
Regions and local authorities affected:
Grampian
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray