The warning will be in place from 12pm on Saturday, January 4, until 11.59pm on Sunday, January 5.
According to the Met Office, the severe weather conditions are likely to result in travel delays, disruptions to rail and air travel, risk of injury, and potential power outages.
A spokesperson said: “Heavy snow, and some freezing rain in places, may cause some disruption over the weekend. There is a chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.”
They added: “There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected. Some rural communities could become temporarily cut off, and icy surfaces increase the risk of slips and falls.”
Forecast for the North East:
Saturday, January 4: A frosty start with sunny intervals during the day and maximum temperatures of 4°C. High cloud will thicken by the evening, bringing an increasing chance of snow from late afternoon. Light snow is expected to begin at around 7pm, with heavier snowfall after 8pm. Overnight temperatures will drop to 0°C.
Sunday, January 5: Heavy snow will continue through the morning, leading to significant accumulations, particularly in higher areas like the Pennines. Snow may transition to rain along coastal areas by the afternoon. The day will remain cold, with temperatures not exceeding 3°C. Windy conditions may exacerbate the impact of the freezing rain and snow.
Outlook for Monday and Tuesday: Cold conditions persist into Monday and Tuesday, with sunny spells and isolated snow showers expected. Overnight frosts will continue, with minimum temperatures as low as -4°C.
The Met Office advises residents to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions to stay safe during the severe weather.
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 reach the south of the warning area later Saturday, then spread north across the rest of the area through Sunday morning. Snow will be persistent and heavy at times, and will likely drift in brisk easterly winds, especially over higher ground.
Much of the warning area can expect 3-7 cm of snow. Areas above about 150 m will likely see 15-30 cm, with 40 cm for ground above 300 m, before snow begins to ease and clear by the end of Sunday. For some lower-lying areas, such as the Vale of York, snow may mix with rain at times making estimations of snow depths here more difficult. Regardless, travel will likely be difficult, with power line icing an additional impact.
What should I do?
It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe. If you must drive, do this more safely by: using dipped headlights; accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible; starting in second gear to help with wheel slip; maintaining a safe and steady speed, keeping distance from other vehicles; using a low gear to go downhill, avoiding braking unless necessary; steering into skids, not taking your hands of the wheel, and avoiding slamming on brakes.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
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If isolated due to snow, follow these simple steps to keep safe and well: 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 around 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 that 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 .
Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.