A weather map has turned orange with the UK to be battered by snow and rain amid freezing temperatures this weekend.
The Met Office has now named Storm Ber,t which will move in from the Atlantic Ocean over the weekend, bringing “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow”. It is the second named storm of the season with wind gusts expected of up to 70mph.
Widespread yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are already in place up and down the country for today and tomorrow, while the warnings over the weekend are more for rain in Wales and the southwest over the weekend.
Between 2cm and 5cm of snow is expected widely today and it could reach 10cm in some parts of the north-west mainland, with higher ground seeing 15cm to 20cm, the Met Office said.
And a map from WXCharts shows the looming low pressure from Storm Burt hovering in the Atlantic on Saturday as it makes its way towards the UK. The outer areas are coloured blue indicating 20 to 30mm of rain while the dark red shows anything from 45 to 70mm.
A Met Office video shows the storm moving in and also bringing snow to northern areas where it hits the colder temperatures. The national agency states for Saturday: “Heavy snow for a time. Wind gusts: 40-60mph, locally 60-70mph. Heavy rain, especially in the west.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.”
“Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place. We expect 50-75 mm of rainfall quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of 100 mm is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and southwest England.
“In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a number of amber and yellow Cold Health Alerts covering the whole of England. This alert system is aimed at health and social care professionals and anyone with a role in reducing health impacts caused by extended periods of cold weather. You can receive alerts directly via email by signing up for alerts or contact UKHSA for more information.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year. With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.
“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop. Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”