Severe snow to hit northern England, warns Met Office

The Met Office has warned that Yorkshire and Humberside will be hit by up to 15cm of snow by overnight and into Wednesday morning.

The fresh band of sleet and snow is heading down from Scotland, where roads have been crippled by the severe weather in the last few days.

Heavy snowfall is expected to sweep the east of the country dumping up to 10cm of snow across the area, and as much as 15cm on the North Yorkshire Moors.

Temperatures in the region are expected to drop to -6C by midnight, while the coastline is due to be pummelled with sleet and rain, the Met said.

Snow will drift further inland and towards the North East, falling amid sub-zero temperatures and causing hazardous driving conditions, it warned.

Freezing fog

Severe frost and freezing fog is forecast to follow outbreaks of snow in central UK tonight, while tomorrow morning the freezing fog should clear in the south leaving a mainly dry, bright day but with wintry showers continuing in eastern areas.

“The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads,” the Met Office added.

Icy road conditions are expected to continue to plague Scotland, alongside Northern Ireland, Wales, North East England, Yorkshire and Humberside into the night. This morning Scottish police urged motorists not to drive unless “absolutely essential”, after hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight.

The Highways Agency has warned drivers to allow extra time for their journeys to be affected by the weather.

Ice advice: driving safely

It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, the Highways Agency advises, so allow more room to slow down and stop.

Avoid losing control of your vehicle because of wheel spin, by using the highest gear possible. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.

Road users are advised to be prepared with warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow.