Heavy snow and ice warnings issued for the UK today ahead of the new ‘Beast from the East’

The Met Office has issued snow and ice advisories for much of the UK today.

A yellow warning has been issued for Yorkshire & Humber, parts of North East England and Wales.

Forecasts have warned of travel chaos as roads and railways are likely to be hit with longer travel times by road, bus and train.

The warnings come as icy conditions hit the nation in the coming days with the return of The Beast from the East.

2021 started yesterday with snow across the country, including in London.

But it is forecast to cool further in the coming days with several inches of snow forecast in the days leading up to January 17, and parts of Scotland are forecasting a staggering 31 inches. [80cm] towards the end of the month.

The Met Office today warned of slip and fall injuries on icy surfaces and said there would be patches of ice on some untreated roads, pavements and bike lanes.

Meteorological Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the UK will see “heavy frosts” during the first week of January.

“It’s obviously very cold and it’s going to stay cold this week,” he said.

“While there will be some winter hazards, it really won’t be until the end of the week until we see significant snow.”

Chilly easterly winds will develop next week, bringing winter rains, particularly around eastern parts, while dangerous hazards of freezing fog, frost and ice will continue, the Met Office added.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: “The message for those who have to drive is to adjust their speed according to the conditions and allow additional stopping distance so that 2021 does not start with an unwanted hit and claim of sure.

“Snow and ice are by far the harshest driving conditions, so if they can be avoided, it’s probably the best policy.”

Met Office five-day weather forecast

Today:

An icy start for many inland. Continuing rains across coastal strips, perhaps heavy, winter where they run inland this morning. An area of ​​sleet or snow may subsequently affect parts of northern and central England. Cold feeling everywhere.

Tonight:

Sleet or scattered snow in the Midlands and East Wales melt away. Clear and icy northwest areas. The eastern areas see showers, perhaps heavy but mostly falling as rain away from the hills.

Sunday:

Showers in many areas of the east and south, more intense towards the eastern coasts, but still mostly rain, only a few brighter episodes. In the North West of the UK, lions share the sunlight.

Outlook from Monday to Wednesday:

Dry and sunny in the northwest with frost and icy fog. Cloudier and windier elsewhere with winter rains, more frequent in the east. Cold feeling, especially in the south.