The Met Office previously issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering most of England from Saturday, January 4 until Sunday, January 5.
It has now been updated to include an amber warning for snow until 23.59pm on Sunday.
The amber warning covers the Hexham and Tynedale area, west to Cumbria and south to Sheffield.
Another amber warning, for snow and ice, is in place further south.
“Snow expected to lead to disruption during Sunday across northern England,” the Met Office said in its latest update.
What should I expect?
- Some rural communities cut off
- Power cuts and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, affected
- Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel is expected
- Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers
Further detail
“Snow will become persistent and locally heavy as it pushes south to north across the warning area,” the Met Office said. “As well as snow, a period of freezing rain is also likely bringing some hazardous travel conditions, before milder air follows across all areas by Sunday morning.
“Whilst there is some uncertainty in details, 3-7cm of snow is likely for much of the warning area, with locally 15-30 cm for the higher ground of Wales and the southern Pennines. Freezing rain could lead to ice accretion in places, especially parts of Wales, before the milder air leads to a rapid thaw of snow and ice in the south of the warning area through Sunday.”
If you are isolated due to snow or ice, keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night; turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed; ensure pets are safe by keeping them warm and comfortable; prevent frozen pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate the plumbing; stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in; and, if you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651.
Help to protect vulnerable people you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).
For more information, go to https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/.