The forecasters have upgraded the yellow warning for snow they issued the region earlier this week to an amber alert for both snow and ice, with disruption now increasingly likely.
The severe weather alert is in place from 6pm Saturday, January 4 until midday Sunday, January 5.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly, said: “Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines.
“This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”
He added: “There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially Wales, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places.
“As the supercooled rain droplets hit the surface they instantly freeze, covering everything in a layer of ice, making it extremely dangerous.”
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
Snow and ice across parts of central England and Wales
Saturday 1800 – Sunday 1200
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/TLvSrtSC1Z
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 3, 2025
The Met Office has warned that there is a “good chance” that power cuts may occur and that travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
They have also said that road closures and journey delays are possible, with disruption to bus, train and air travel, and the likelihood of rural communities becoming cut off has increased.
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, said: “If you are travelling this weekend, keep your distance and reduce your speed.
“Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.
“Even in conditions that seem normal and where the snow is not settling you could always experience slippery conditions.
“Drivers should plan their journeys, check their vehicles, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold weather health alert for all of England that will remain in place until January 8 amid a week of low temperatures.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is, therefore, vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”