Weather latest: Police in Cumbria declare major incident and warn against unnecessary journeys amid heavy snowfall
Key points
- Amber and yellow weather warnings issued – here’s where they are in forcePolice declare major incident in Cumbria | Drivers told to only travel if necessaryTemperatures could drop to -12C tonightHere’s the latest forecast Check the five-day weather forecast where you liveLive reporting by Jess Sharp
19:00:37 ‘Double Snow 7’ and ‘Spready Mercury’ helping to keep roads clear in Scotland
Several gritters are out in Scotland this evening as several areas prepare for another cold night.
BEAR Scotland, the leading road maintenance and management firm in the nation, has been naming its gritters in an effort to spread a little cheer.
Among those helping to keep the roads clear tonight are Hansel And Grit-all, Sir Grits Hoy, Sleetwood Mac and Icesweeper Willy.
Take a look at some of the other amusing names, and where they are, below.
18:44:57 ‘It’s awful here now’ – Heavy snowfall threatens to ‘trap’ cars
Heavy snowfall is continuing to cause problems in Cumbria this evening.
Julie Coldwell shared these clips purporting to show several cars covered in thick snow.
“It’s awful here now,” she said. “Lots of cars are potentially going to be trapped overnight.”
An amber warning for snow covering large sections of south and west Cumbria remains in place until midnight.
18:28:33 The latest weather forecast
By Chris England, weather producer
The cold spell continues, bringing a risk of freezing fog, icy stretches and further wintry showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow.
The Met Office has warnings for snow and ice for parts of the UK.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which monitors potential health service issues for England only, has issued an amber alert for the cold weather in northern and central England, with yellow alerts further south.
Much of western Britain will be showery this evening, with sleet and snow inland and over the hills, but it will be mostly fine elsewhere.
Expect an early frost tonight, but southern parts will see temperatures lifting as showery rain spreads in.
Central parts can expect sleet and snow showers, bringing a risk of ice, while freezing fog will develop where skies clear.
Northern Scotland looks mostly fine.
It will be mostly fine but cold in the north tomorrow morning, although eastern Scotland can expect wintry showers, while the south will be milder with rain at times.
Wales and central England can expect some rain, sleet and snow too, and some lingering fog, while Ireland and Northern Ireland will be rather grey with any showers fading inland.
The afternoon will bring little overall change, although the southwest will see more prolonged rain later.
The southern half of England looks quite wet tomorrow, while Wales and central England can expect a spell of mainly hill snow.
Elsewhere, most places will be fine, but expect wintry showers near eastern coasts.
It will be windy, with a risk of coastal gales in the northeast and west, but it will be less cold.
18:17:19 Amber cold health alerts still in place – here’s what they mean
A few days ago, the UK Health Security Agency issued several amber cold health alerts across the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
It is important to remember that these warnings will last until 5 December.
There are also yellow cold health alerts in place for the East Midlands and West Midlands.
What do cold health alerts mean?
The alerts mean that the impacts of the cold weather are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with the potential for people to be at risk.
It is aimed at health and social care professionals and anyone with a role in reducing health impacts caused by extended periods of hot or cold weather.
18:04:07 Major incident declared in Cumbria
A major incident has been declared in Cumbria, the county’s police force has said.
A multi-agency response is ongoing in the region, it said, as heavy snowfall continues to cause havoc on the local road network.
There have been multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas, due to snow, it added.
Police have already warned drivers to only travel if necessary due to the weather conditions, as low temperatures, ice and snow are expected until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said: “We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.
“I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary. The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult”
An amber warning for snow covering large sections of south and west Cumbria remains in place until midnight.
A yellow weather warning covering most of the county is in place for snow and ice until midnight.
An additional yellow weather warning will come into force from midnight until 11am tomorrow morning.
17:50:25 ‘Very slow moving traffic’ along parts of M6 as heavy snowfall continues
National Highways has warned there is “very slow moving traffic” along parts of the M6 this evening as heavy snowfall continues.
A stretch of the motorway in Cumbria has been “particularly affected” between junction 38 and 39, it said.
“Our Traffic Officers, snow ploughs and gritters will be working to keep you moving,” it added.
17:44:46 Police force opens ’emergency refuge space’
South Lakes Police in Cumbria has opened an “emergency refuge space” as snow continues to fall across the county.
The safety point has been set up inside a parish centre in Ambleside, the force said.
“If you are within walking distance, the hall is open and provisions are available,” it wrote on Facebook.
“There is little to no accommodation in the town – we are aware of this. If you cannot source accommodation, please come to the parish centre.”
It urged people not to drive to the building, telling them to make sure their car is in a “safe position” and to walk to the centre.
17:37:39 Watch: Heavy snowfall hits Cumbria
Heavy snowfall has hit Cumbria today- and more is expected.
An amber warning for snow has been issued across the county, with the Met Office saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some parts before showers begin to ease.
The alert, which runs until midnight, means rural communities could become cut off.
17:32:00 What is the weather forecast for the next few days?
Frost, fog, ice and snow is expected over the next few days, with some weather warnings in place until tomorrow afternoon.
Here’s the latest five-day weather forecast from the Met Office.
There will be clear spells tonight, which will lead to a widespread frost overnight, especially in the north and east.
However, rain will feed eastwards across England and Wales, giving some snow, especially over the Welsh mountains and northern England hills.
People should expect to see patchy fog and ice.
Tomorrow, much of England and Wales will be rather cloudy with patchy rain and snow.
Elsewhere, fog and frost will start lifting to sunny spells and a few wintry showers.
From Monday to Wednesday, there will be rain and snow across England and Wales, reaching southeast Scotland later.
Sunshine and wintry showers will be seen elsewhere, along with wet and windy conditions.
17:17:03 Several sporting fixtures postponed – here’s a list of the ones affected
Several sporting fixtures have been cancelled this weekend due to the poor weather conditions.
Here’s a list of the events that have been affected:
Football
FA Cup
- Crewe v Bristol Rovers
National League
- Altrincham v Dorking WanderersSouthend v Wealdstone
Scottish Premiership
- Livingston v Ross County
Scottish Championship
- Ayr United v ArbroathDunfermline Athletic v Queen’s ParkGreenock Morton v Dundee United
Scottish League One
- Alloa Athletic v Annan AthleticFalkirk v Cove RangersKelty Hearts v Edinburgh CityStirling Albion v Montrose
Scottish League Two
- Elgin City v Clyde
Horse racing
- Newcastle
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