UK weather LIVE: Snow shuts hundreds of schools as Met Office issues amber weather warning

RAC breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis mentioned: “The overwhelming majority of drivers are closely reliant on their vehicles, one thing that’s exacerbated when the climate turns icy or snowy, particularly if public transport is impacted and drivers don’t have any selection however to make use of their vehicles for journeys they think about important.

“Doing so can carry enormous dangers nonetheless, and it’s vitally necessary drivers observe steerage from the Met Workplace and others accordingly every time there’s a warning for extreme climate issued – particularly whether it is an amber and even uncommon purple warning.

“Ready till situations enhance would possibly effectively be the most secure and finest plan of action.

“If a driver has made the choice that it’s protected to set out in snow and ice, it’s necessary drivers at all times verify their vehicles and regulate their driving kinds to deal with no matter wintry situations are thrown at them.

“A automobile’s braking distance can enhance by as much as 10 occasions when there’s snow and ice on a street, that means it’s important to verify all tyres have loads of tread and decelerate significantly to cut back the possibilities of a collision.”

Learn the total article right here

Rain, sleet and snow pushes northwards by Thursday. Snow confined to North Wales, Northern Eire and northern England, primarily on excessive floor. Snow turning to freezing rain for north Wales bringing icy stretches. Brighter spells and heavy rain additional south.

Rain and snow proceed to trace northwards into Scotland in a single day however intensities lower. A widespread frost anticipated away from coasts within the north however extra rain strikes in additional south.

Wintry showers proceed within the far north. Band of rain and hill snow throughout central areas transfer northwards by the day. Cloudy within the south with some showers, regionally heavy.

Largely cloudy on Saturday with some rain within the south, and wintry showers additional north. Drier within the east on Sunday with gentle winds, cloudier within the west.

James Madden of Exacta Climate warns that the Midlands can be first to expertise heavy snow, adopted by northern England.

Learn the total article from journey correspondent Simon Calder right here

North Wales Police have reported that minor visitors collisions have been reported as a result of ongoing dangerous climate, with rural areas of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham notably affected.

Drivers have been urged to “take additional care” and to make use of major roads when travelling round.

Met Workplace spokesman Oli Claydon mentioned that in a single day temperatures had reached a low of -18.8C in Altnaharra, within the Scottish Highlands, whereas in Plymouth temperatures had been at a excessive of 11.9C.

He added that disruption had already been precipitated in Orkney, which had recorded 12cm of snow on Thursday morning.

He instructed PA: “The worst of the snow can be in a while at this time. By way of this morning and this afternoon you’re extra more likely to see accumulations.

“The snow danger tomorrow is shifting a lot additional north, and it is going to be a little bit of a drier day.”

The UK’s forecaster has warned {that a} band of rain, snow and sleet is about to push itself northwards as yellow and amber climate warnings stay in place throughout massive components of the nation.

Practically two our of 5 (39%) motorists would nonetheless get behind the wheel whatever the quantity of snow on the roads, new analysis suggests.

The RAC, which commissioned the survey, warned that driving throughout excessive climate “can carry enormous dangers”.

Some 29% of respondents within the ballot of two,300 drivers admitted scaring themselves after shedding management of their car in snow.

Climate warnings for snow have been issued for big components of the UK on Thursday.

The RAC is advising motorists to verify their automobiles and regulate their driving type through the present chilly snap, and never take any dangers that put themselves and their passengers in peril.