Overview
- Amber snow warnings remain in force for northern Scotland and Shetland through Saturday, with forecasts of 10–20cm on lower ground and 30–40cm over higher terrain with blizzard conditions.
- A new yellow warning for Sunday into Monday covers parts of the Midlands and Wales, where 1–3cm of snow is expected widely and up to 5–8cm is possible in a few inland or higher locations, with widespread icy patches.
- Snow and ice have already disrupted roads and rail in northern Scotland, and officials warn of possible power cuts, isolated communities and stranded vehicles, with delays likely more widely.
- Temperatures have plunged nationwide, including -5.7C recorded at Drumnadrochit, and the Met Office warns some places could see overnight lows in minus double figures with daytime values near or below freezing.
- During the cold spell, a major rescue off Withernsea in East Yorkshire resulted in confirmed fatalities, with HM Coastguard and Humberside Police among the responding agencies.