Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Simey68]

Thanks for the welcome guys love reading all your posts

[Coast]

Weather Warning: 'Severe' Ice And Snow Ahead

Commuters can expect delays and road-gritting teams will have their work cut out as ice and snow grip the country.

Forecasters have issued a new severe weather warning, with a high chance of disruptive ice and snow in England for much of next week. The Met Office has raised its alert level to three - one step below a national emergency - and said icy conditions could last until Friday morning. Snow is expected in the North and East of the country, where downpours will build up on the ground as temperatures remain below zero. Some snow is also expected in the South East and South West, along with central areas.

All of Britain is already feeling the effects of winter as temperatures continue to linger at zero or just above. Commuters have been warned to expect difficult journeys on Monday, when several centimetres of snow is expected across large swathes of the UK. Snow has already begun to fall in Scotland and will slowly spread south today and overnight delivering a light dusting, but a heavier dump is expected to land over north Wales, central England and northern England tomorrow. On Saturday, temperatures in some areas were between 2C and 5C (36F-41F), but in Inverness and Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands they never got above -1C (28F).

Temperatures were low across the UK overnight into Sunday, with the lowest reading -6C (21.2F) at Shap in Cumbria at 3am. The AA has warned that 75% of drivers are not prepared for conditions on the roads, and urged drivers to carry an essential winter kit and check their cars before getting behind the wheel. The RAC is expecting up to 56,000 breakdowns and widespread disruption. It has placed extra patrols on stand-by to help stranded motorists and said call-outs are expected to rise by 20% or more. The Highways Agency said it is "well prepared" for winter conditions, adding that a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art winter vehicles were on standby.

A spokeswoman said: "Our roads will be treated whenever there is a risk of ice or snow. However, even when roads have been treated, drivers should still take care, especially on stretches where the local road layout or landscape means there could be a greater risk of ice forming."

http://news.sky.com/...-and-snow-ahead

Edited January 14, 2013 by Coast

[Summer Sun]

HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AS FORECASTERS WARN BIG FREEZE WILL LAST A FORTNIGHT

BRITAIN faces another band of heavy snow this afternoon as forecasters warn the big freeze is set to last for a fortnight. The Met Office has severe weather warnings in place for virtually the entire country with a more serious amber warning for the North-east. It comes after much if the country woke up to a wintry picture this morning with some regions left under several inches of snow. Forecasters warned another deluge of heavier snow is expected over the next few hours sparking fears of travel chaos for the rush hour commute. They also say temperatures will continue to plunge throughout the week with another battering due at the weekend. The Met Office has warned parts of the UK are braced for another two inches to fall this afternoon. A statement said: “Snow will fall to lower levels away from the coastal strip during Monday evening.†Experts have warned Britain faces at least two weeks of winter chaos with no end to the big freeze until the middle of next month.

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services said temperatures could plunge to -20C (-4F) in the North and -10C (14F) in the South throughout the week. He said: “It is going to be bitingly cold as the week moves on with ice one of the major issues. “People should expect roads to become icy and snow to lead to travel disruption, the cold snap is really going to bite harder from this afternoon.†Piers Corbyn, forecaster for WeatherAction, said the UK is braced for another major deluge at the weekend with the snow chaos likely to last into the middle of February. He warned some regions could see “several feet of snow†amid what could be the worst winter whiteout for 20 years.

Netweather forecaster Paul Michaewaite said much of the country can expect more snow today. He said: “There will be further wintry showers running down from the northwest initially before switching to move into eastern regions, and once again some local accumulations are likely. “Elsewhere, after a day where temperatures have struggled to get more than a degree or so above freezing, a cold night is likely with ice an additional hazard. “Tuesday keeps the feed of wintry showers off of the north sea going, and these will make it a little way inland, as well as ganging up at times. “Temperatures will again struggle with some places not making it above 0C, which coupled with the strengthening wind will make it feel bitter.â€

http://beta.dailyexp...ast-a-fortnight

BRITS FACE TRAVEL HELL AS SNOW CAUSES CHAOS

BRITS face travel hell today after forecasters predicted snow would sweep across the country causing chaos for roads, rail and airports. Last night Heathrow Airport bosses were making plans for flight cancellations that could leave thousands of passengers grounded. And the RAC told drivers to avoid journeys as four inches of snow was expected to blanket the country. Forecasters Netweather said it would be a “nightmare 48 hours for gritter operatorsâ€. But London mayor Boris Johnson blasted Heathrow bosses, claiming it was “defeatist†to cancel flights in advance of bad weather, saying: “Every time there is a slight problem, Heathrow cannot cope.†A Heathrow spokesperson said: “There will be ongoing meetings about the snow risk through the week, with cancellation decisions made on a case-bycase basis.â€

Forecasters warned more heavy falls are due to tonight with temperatures sinking as low as -14C, colder than -5C Lapland. Gatwick Airport said it may be forced to close its runway despite spending £8million since 2010 to double its snow-clearing fleet to 98 vehicles. Hundreds of gritting lorries were digging into a record three million-tonne salt stockpile, with thousands of council staff on standby to clear snow and ice near schools and shops. But the AA said that 75% of drivers were not prepared for conditions on the roads. Rail passengers could also see mass cancellations if snow settles on tracks. Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: “Snow will fall widely on Sunday night, with more snow on Monday and light snow in the east on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is also the risk of ice. “People should keep up to date with forecasts and make sure their routes are safe.†Weather Channel forecaster Leon Brown said: “Everywhere felt below zero in windchill on Sunday, and snow is forecast to be the most widespread since the 2010-11 winter. “Once snow is on the ground, it will not melt as it will be too cold, with lows down to -14C possible.â€

http://www.dailystar...w-causes-chaos/

London wakes up white as forecasters warn the big freeze will last for at least a week and most parts of UK will get heavy snow this afternoon

The heaviest snow for several years is falling today and almost every part of Britain will be hit, with forecasters predicting the freezing conditions are only going to get worse. Up to 10cm will fall in places, making roads treacherous, and Newcastle, Leeds Bradford and Luton airports say that flights could be disrupted. Forecasters have issued severe weather warnings for most of the UK and by late afternoon a large band of snow will run from eastern Scotland, down through eastern and central England and into London, causing rush hour chaos. This bad weather could be the start of up to three weeks of freezing conditions to sit over the UK, as Britain is likely to be colder than Lapland by Wednesday. Temperatures could hit -14 this week in Britain's coldest parts, while Utsjoki, in the Finnish part of Lapland, will be at around -5. The heaviest overnight snowfall was in Nottingham and across the Pennines. Some schools in the East Midlands, particularly in Leicestershire and Rutland, were closed this morning. The cold weather looks like it will run to the end of the week,' a Met Office spokesman told MailOnline. 'But it is a high pressure from Scandinavia, which means it will be mostly cold and dry, and probably not too much snow after today.'

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2HxElWZJY

Snowfall and -14° on arctic Monday Lapland warmer as snow hits UK

BRITAIN woke to Arctic Monday today with up to four inches of snow expected and temperatures predicted to fall as low as MINUS 14° C. The Met Office warned of rush hour havoc and the biggest snowfall in two years as the icy blast swept eastwards from the early hours. And a heavier dump of snow is expected again later today. And forecasters say the cold snap could go on for a whole MONTH. And the country will be even colder than Lapland this week as the icy blast threatens chaos for travellers. In contrast Utsjoki, in Finnish Lapland, will be -5°C (23°F).

Yesterday snow hit many places in the North and West. Today’s early falls are set to be followed by a second band sweeping eastwards during the afternoon, with another two inches predicted from the Midlands to the North and East. The Met Office expects another one to four inches in the East tonight and tomorrow — with London at risk of an inch.

Forecaster Charlie Powell said: “Monday’s snow will be followed by light falls on Tuesday and Wednesday.†The heaviest snow of up to 4in (10cm) will fall in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and east Anglia, while central England will widely see up to 2in (5cm) with temperatures hovering around 1C (33.8F). Matt Dobson, senior forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: “We have two bands of snow to worry about today. The first is over south east England and East Anglia this morning but it is coming down quite slowly and it’s light. “There is another band of rain, sleet and snow, moving out of eastern Scotland across north west England and Wales and moving south east all the time. “If you draw a line from Manchester to London, south and west of the line there will be mainly rain and sleet. North and east of that line it will fall mainly as sleet and snow. “Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East Anglia, they are going to get the worst.â€

http://www.thesun.co...l#ixzz2HxGnj52b

Edited January 14, 2013 by Gavin.

[Summer Sun]

Ian Fergusson's BBC points west forecast is well worth a watch if you didn't see it

http://news.bbc.co.u...000/7760862.stm

[Summer Sun]

Snow warning issued throughout East of England

Travel is being disrupted as snow has continued to fall in the East of England, with the Met Office warning of more possible disruption to come. Some Greater Anglia trains between Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex and London have been cancelled and a 60mph speed restriction put in place. Flight delays were reported at Luton, Stansted and Norwich airports. An amber snow warning will remain in place in East Anglia until at least midnight, the Met Office said. It added snowfall overnight could reach five to 10cm (2in-4in) in places.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21013946

[Weather of Mass Disruption]

“@BigJoelaminate floori: The Forces of Coldmeggedon already at Work in Europe are gathering for the US. Next week and beyond look wild!â€

Joe B's getting excited! 😀

[Summer Sun]

Front page of Tuesday's Daily Star

Arctic chill until Valentines Day

But of course the Express always go one step further than the rest

Edited January 14, 2013 by Gavin.

[BLAST FROM THE PAST]

http://iceagenow.info/2013/01/uk-met-office-forecasts-years-cooler-expected-temperatures/

How about this then. Very interesting read

BFTP

[La Bise]

Nth recycled story about something the Met Office did not say...

[Jan]

http://iceagenow.inf...d-temperatures/

How about this then. Very interesting read

BFTP

Hmm makes you wonder. I remember reading something on here in one of the threads a few years ago about a press conference was called in the USA by NOACC or some sort of body and all sorts of climatologists and government where present etc, and they threw out the global warming idea and declared it was global cooling, never heard anything about it in the media

[Coopsy]

Ah I have had some great readings tonight from this thread lol.....I watched the South East news forecast tonight and she said very cold temps at 2oC lol. Last time I reached 2oC was 38 days ago...I wish it was that 'cold' here ;-)

Edited January 15, 2013 by canadiancoops

[SL7]

Hi,

After observing these forums for a while, one thing which becomes evident is that with snow, the forecasting is very volatile. It almost appears to change every ten minutes with new factors coming in to play and changing things.

Now when Met Office, BBC etc forecast, they will forecast and leave it for hours before making changes. Thus, does this mean when it comes to snow they will be inaccurate a lot of the time?

Also is there brief explanation as to the reason why snow forecasting is so difficult and is prone to change a lot?

Thanks

[Summer Sun]

Killer freeze grips Britain

THE big freeze last night sparked fears of a national health emergency in Britain as forecasters warned of worsening snow conditions. Freezing winds from Russia could bring the lowest temperatures ever recorded in the UK as some areas face days of heavy snow. The Met Office has upgraded a week-long cold weather health alert across England to Level-3 – one step below a national emergency. It stresses that “severe cold weather†could pose a health risk to the elderly and vulnerable. A near nationwide whiteout yesterday saw around three inches of snowfall in Scotland where ­temperatures had fallen to -24C (-11.2F) with wind chill. Severe weather warnings for snow and ice across Britain today and tomorrow have been issued. Two inches of snow is likely in the East where temperatures could plunge to -10C and lows of -15C are possible on higher ground. Forecaster Helen Chivers said: “Temperatures will stay a couple of degrees below freezing where there is snow, or just above elsewhere. We are expecting widespread sharp frosts overnight with the chance of more snow by the end of the week.â€

Age UK last night said that 8,000 extra deaths can occur for each degree drop in temperature. Director general Michelle Mitchell said: “We urge older people to take the Met Office warning very seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves from the cold. It’s really important older people keep warm and protect themselves from the cold. “It’s also crucial that people check on older neighbours and relatives to make sure they are keeping warm and healthy.†Councils echoed the call to watch out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours. Spokesman for the Local Government Association David Rogers said: “We are calling on neighbours, postmen, milkmen and paperboys to help save lives by knocking on doors and reporting anything out of the ordinary.“Just a call on an elderly neighbour who’s perhaps unable to ask for help can make all the difference. “As well as gritting our roads and clearing snow, council teams are ready to be drafted in to provide a variety of services to help the vulnerable, from carrying out emergency household repairs to delivering hot meals and portable heaters.â€

Supermarkets yesterday reported panic food buying with bread, meat and potatoes flying off the shelves. Morrisons spokesman Neal Austin said: “Stores should remain well stocked. Each of our depots is well stocked with grit and salt so we shouldn’t have any problems getting lorries on the road.†Experts warned the UK faces another “major snow event†and that snow, ice and freezing temperatures could last into the middle of next month. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said freezing winds could see Britain’s record low temperature of -27.2C – set in Altnaharra, Scotland, in 1995 – broken this week. He said: “Fierce and bitterly cold winds are pouring in from the East, and this big freeze could certainly smash the record for lowest temperatures ever recorded. “We could be building up to another major snow event next weekend.†Piers Corbyn, forecaster for WeatherAction, said the UK faces “waves of major Arctic blasts and blizzards†until the middle of February. Experts warned Britons face a week of travel misery as snow and ice cause chaos on the roads and transport networks.

http://beta.dailyexp...e-grips-Britain

ARCTIC CHILL UNTIL MID FEBRUARY

BLIZZARDS battered Britain yesterday in a big freeze that weather experts predict will last until Valentine’s Day. “Arctic Monday†brought transport chaos and closed hundreds of schools as snow covered much of the UK and temperatures plunged to a teeth-chattering -16C. Supermarkets were left with empty shelves as panicked Brits rushed to stock up on winter essentials after Sunday night’s downfall. Yesterday the snow continued in most areas for much of the day as forecasters predicted the freeze could grip the UK for at least a month. Roads became ice-rinks and a 10-vehicle pile-up caused havoc on the M4, leaving huge tailbacks in sub-zero temperatures on the Berks-Wilts border. Emergency crews said drivers involved in the smash escaped with relatively minor injuries. Another four people were hurt when a car skidded off the M40 motorway and ploughed into a ditch in snow-hit Oxfordshire.

Roads were closed in western and northern England as the RAC rushed 40 4x4 rescue vehicles to the worst-hit areas and projected 11,000 breakdowns by last night, up 20% on the usual winter week night figure. And the motoring organisation was bracing itself for more of the same today. RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We’ve significantly boosted overtime shifts for Tuesday to cope with another increase in demand.†Bosses at Heathrow Airport said they would consider cancelling flights in advance if snow threatens any more than 130 flights per day. And train passengers reported delays as snow led to speed restrictions being put in place on some Greater Anglia services. But while there were forecasts of heavy falls, many commuters dubbed the rail firm an “embarrassment†as it cancelled 24 trains after less than an inch of snow fell. A Greater Anglia spokeswoman said: “Speed restrictions are a preventative measure so we can run as robust a service as possible.â€

But thousands of children were celebrating a “snow day†as head teachers made the decision to close schools in Leicestershire and Rutland. Meanwhile, shoppers worried by the plunge in temperature were hitting supermarkets to prepare for more snow and ice ahead. Tesco reported sales of shovels up more than five times on last week. And sales of cold-weather car products such as windscreen wash with anti-freeze and ice scrapers were already 25% per cent higher than a week ago. Asda said it expected to flog one million cans of de-icer this week and reported sales of thermal clothes up by 150%, while a Halfords spokesman said they could shift 20,000 sledges. Amazon’s sledge sales and demand for Morrisons flasks have both rocketed by 600% over the last week.

http://www.dailystar...l-mid-February/

[Methuselah]

Bugger! It all be over by mid-week, now...

[Summer Sun]

Blizzards to bring 10 inches of snow at the weekend

BRITAIN is braced for another barrage of storms with up to 10 inches of snow by the weekend. A band of showers and blizzards is due to sweep in from the Atlantic on Friday threatening a near nationwide whiteout. Forecasters warned freezing gales, snowstorms and ice will cause more travel chaos as the big freeze takes a second swipe at beleaguered ­Britain. Parts of the country have been left under inches of snow this week with more expected in the South and East today and tomorrow. The 72-hour freeze has seen temperatures sink lower than Moscow, Finland and Iceland with warnings the mercury could plunge to -15C (5F) in the North and -8C elsewhere. And the cold weather is likely to last into the ­middle of next month. The Met Office said colder-than-usual conditions are likely until the second week of February with snow likely to be “more frequentâ€. Jonathan Powell, of ­Vantage Weather Services, said Friday’s onslaught will attack the South-west before tearing through the rest of the country.

He said: “Britain is in for another blanketing of snow from Friday. Most places could see a covering with up to 10 inches likely in the North. “Saturday is looking like an absolute nightmare with bitter winds sending temperatures com­fortably below freezing.†The Met Office last night issued an “early†severe weather alert for Friday warning of a risk of heavy snow and blizzards. Forecaster Helen Chivers said harsh frosts and ice will persist while the East Coast and parts of the South-east can expect further snowfall today and tomorrow. The Weather Channel warned temperatures could sink below -15C making it the coldest winter snap since the big freeze of 2010. Parts of Britain have been crippled by snowfall over the past few days with seven inches falling mainly in the North and along the East Coast. In Norfolk 43 schools were closed yesterday. Elsewhere icy roads and snow led to traffic mayhem. The AA reported a rise in call-outs with Scotland, Oxfordshire and the East Midlands worst hit. The RAC yesterday attended 9,000 call-outs with East Anglia the busiest region.

Emergency services were called to weather-related accidents on treacherous roads with 120 reported in East Anglia and 33 in Norfolk yesterday. Passengers faced hold-ups and cancellations on railways while Norwich and Aberdeen ­airports reported snow delays and cancelled flights. Asda reported a rush of customers stocking up – with sales of winter goods “going through the roofâ€. Even supermodels weren’t immune. Kate Moss, 39, was all smiles though as she was spotted venturing out in heavy snow in north ­London on Monday.

http://beta.dailyexp...-at-the-weekend

The gritter hits the fan

A GRITTER slides into a wall on treacherous roads yesterday as Britain was hit by THUNDERSNOW — where lightning strikes with a blizzard instead of rain. The freak combination struck the East coast where parts of Norfolk saw six inches of snow. The gritter pranged a wall in Saltburn, Cleveland. However, many Brits enjoyed the snow yesterday, going sledging in Meersbrook Park, Sheffield, and walking in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. Forecasters warned that temperatures would plunge to minus 12°C (10°F) in places today with snowfalls of up to four inches expected in the East.

http://www.thesun.co...l#ixzz2I8jmcFQR

[Coast]

Snow let up: Heavy falls forecast for Friday as Arctic blast hits the UK

Temperatures will struggle to get above freezing on Wednesday and Thursday even before the treacherous weather returns

Forecasters say there’s more snow on the way as Britain braces itself for another Arctic blast by the weekend. Eastern areas bore the brunt of yesterday’s snowfall with 42 schools closed in Norfolk, all planes grounded at Norwich Airport and a six-vehicle pile-up on the A11 that left three people injured. Temperatures across the UK will struggle to get above freezing today and tomorrow and the snow is set to return on Friday.

John Lee, forecaster for MeteoGroup, said Central and Eastern areas were likely to see the heaviest icy showers again. He said: “Many areas will dry out by tomorrow but there is a chance that snow could return to most of Britain on Friday, with some potentially heavy falls. “There are signs that it will turn more unsettled into Thursday and Friday with increased wind and Atlantic weather systems pushing in.

“If that happens we could see some fairly heavy snowfalls and the majority of the UK will get some snow – eastern areas are slightly more prone with the cold weather. “There is the possibility of some good snowfall in central and eastern areas.†He added these areas were also at the greatest risk from patches of freezing fog. Yesterday County Durham police warned youngsters they could be arrested for throwing snowballs at cars, homes or people who do not want to be involved in games.

Officers in Crook were accused of “sucking the fun from everything†after putting the warning on Facebook. The bad weather continued to cause havoc on transport networks and the Highways Agency warned motorists to take extra care on slippery and icy roads. The agency has a 500-strong fleet of salt spreaders and snow ploughs on standby should there be a heavy dump of snow or very icy roads.

Breakdown organisation AA reported 7,700 call-outs by lunchtime yesterday, around 1,000 an hour, with East Anglia the busiest region. The AA’s Darron Burness said: “The main problem is flat or failed batteries, as the car’s electrical system has to work much, much harder in the cold. “When you get in your car, switch off all the electrics before starting it – for example, blowers, lights and heated windscreen. “You should also dip the clutch while starting to take some of the load off the starter motor and, in turn, the battery.â€

The Met Office has seven yellow warnings of severe weather, namely snow, in place. And it recorded snow depths of 8cm (3in) in Norfolk and Suffolk yesterday. The lowest temperature recorded on Monday night was -5.7C (22F) at Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/more-snow-forecast-for-friday-as-arctic-1536371

[Turnedoutniceagain]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263222/UK-weather-Temperatures-plunge-12C-forecasters-predict-Big-Freeze-inches-snow-fall-Friday.html

We're all going to die.....

[snowking]

As a follow up to the Piers Corbyn stuff, his forecast maps for the next few days have been published here:

http://climaterealists.com/?id=10945

The last couple of days haven't necessarily been accurate, but the upcoming period tally's well with current forecast models.

I've always been a sceptic and still remain so, but will be interesting to see how this plays out

SK

[Summer Sun]

Heavy snow to bring risk of disruption on Friday

A band of rain will push into the west into Friday morning, turning increasingly to sleet and snow. Parts of northwest England, Wales and the west midlands are particularly at risk of seeing significant falls of snow and the risk of blizzard conditions in the strong winds. Met Office Severe Weather Warnings have been issued for the heavy snow. An amber warning is in place for parts of Wales and western England where accumulations of 10 to 15 cm are expected and 20 cm or more over the hills. Met Office weather warnings help you plan, prepare and protect yourself and others from the impacts of severe weather. An amber warning means you need to be prepared for the weather and take steps to change your plans and protect you, your family and your community from the impacts of the severe weather. Whilst snow will fall over most areas, the far west, including Northern Ireland, Cornwall and extreme western parts of Wales are expected to see rain. Eddy Carroll, Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: "The snow is expected to be heaviest through Friday morning, slowly weakening and clearing east during the second half of the day.

"Clearly there is the potential for significant disruption to peoples plans. We should all keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts, advice from local agencies and be prepared to change our travel plans if necessary."

Darron Burness, head of the AA's severe weather team, said: "With the outlook remaining cold, drivers need to be prepared for possible disruption. "Before heading out, check the Met Office weather alerts and traffic reports and allow a bit more time for your journey, as you don't want to rush on potentially icy roads. Do the basic checks on your car and, in case of any problems, carry plenty of warm clothing, blankets, de-icer and scraper, some food, hot flask and a fully-charged mobile." Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Highways Agency's National Traffic Operations Centre said: "We advise drivers to check road conditions and the Met Office weather forecast before they set off and during severe weather to consider whether their journey is essential. They may want to delay their travel until conditions improve and to allow our winter fleet the chance to treat the roads. "Our traffic officers are working round the clock to monitor the network, deal with any incidents and keep traffic moving." Over the weekend we will see less severe conditions but further outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are expected to push in from the west at times. The snow that has fallen will be slow to melt and ice will continue to be a risk, especially at night. By thinking ahead we can all be better prepared for severe weather. Throughout the winter, the Met Office works with agencies across the UK to help keep the country safe, well and on the move.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2013/heavy_snow_warning

[Summer Sun]

Warnings of heavy snow on Friday

http-~~-//www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEJXZZWdAo8

[Summer Sun]

Don't travel on Friday': Motorists warned to stay off the road as Britain faces being covered in up to six inches of snow

Families have been warned not to travel on Friday, when Britain will be blanketed by up to six inches of snow. The Met Office said people should only leave the house if absolutely necessary, with transport chaos expected to hit the morning rush hour. Forecasters expect the heaviest snowfall of the winter as strong winds push a weather front across the UK from the south-west tomorrow night. Severe weather warnings for heavy snow and blizzards are in place, with an amber warning issued for parts of Wales and western England, where four to six inches (10-15cm) are expected, and up to 10ins (25cm) over the hills.

The Met Office warned people to check before travelling, and said parents should make sure their child's school is open. Mr Williams added: 'We will see widespread snow across the country on Friday morning, just in time for rush hour. Most places will see 2cm to 5cm of snow and Western areas and Scotland will see 10cm to 15cm of snow. 'There will be fairly strong winds so snow will drift around so we'll see blizzard-like conditions, which could potentially cause transport disruptions. 'People should be prepared to change their plans and don't travel unless it's absolutely necessary. 'There could be chaos on the roads and trains so check before you travel and keep up to date on any changes. The rest of the weekend will be slightly warmer and drier.'

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2IA42PLCq

[Summer Sun]

Weather Warning: Heavy Snowfalls All Over UK

After the country experiences its lowest temperatures so far this winter, many areas are warned to expect a lot of snow. Large swathes of England and Wales will see up to six inches of snow by the weekend as forecasters warned of plunging temperatures. Travel disruption is expected when the severe winter weather hits on Friday. Sky News weather presenter, Isobel Lang, said: "An active frontal system pushes in from the southwest bringing in rain and snow with strong south to southeast winds. "Although some southern and western coastal counties are likely to see rain rather than snow, many parts of England and Wales could see around four to six inches of snow."

Patchy fog and ice is expected over the next day or so, when any snow is likely to be confined to either East Anglia and Kent or across the western fringes of Britain. But many places will see temperatures barely rise above freezing. Parts of Scotland, northern England, Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia will be looking at maximum temperatures of -1C or zero. It comes after a bitterly cold night for much of the UK, with average temperatures between -3C and -7C, and -3C in London. The lowest temperature so far this winter was recorded in the early hours of Wednesday in Marham, Norfolk, where -13.1C beat the -12.9C recorded in Braemar on December 16.

The freezing weather has already caused havoc on transport networks, with a six-vehicle pile-up leaving three people injured on Tuesday and the AA reportingabout 1,000 breakdowns an hour.

In Norfolk, 262 schools have closed due to the weather and freezing fog has made conditions hazardous in the Midlands, East Anglia and central and southern England. A helicopter crashed in central London when it hit a crane on a high building in foggy conditions, killing two people.

http://news.sky.com/story/1038946/weather-warning-heavy-snowfalls-all-over-uk

[Summer Sun]

Travel chaos warning in weekend white-out

FREEZING Britain faces an almost total white-out tomorrow with heavy snow falling across the country. Forecasters warned of up to 10 inches of snow on high ground as temperatures plummet to -15C (5F) during a 6,000-mile wide blast of cold air from Russia. People are being warned to avoid ­travelling unless it is essential, amid fears the worst big freeze for two years could cause travel chaos lasting into the weekend. The Met Office yesterday extended tomorrow’s severe weather warnings for snow across the UK to Saturday and Sunday. Chief forecaster Eddy Carroll said the public should be prepared for “significant disruption†from early tomorrow. He said: “The snow is expected to be heaviest through Friday morning, slowly weakening and clearing east during the second half of the day. “Clearly there is the potential for significant disruption to people’s plans. “We should all keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts, advice from local agencies and be prepared to change our travel plans if necessary.â€

Government forecasters warned that 6ins (15cm) of snow is likely across wide swathes of Britain, with up to 10ins possible on high ground. Jonathan Powell, for Vantage Weather Services, went even further, saying up to a foot of snow was possible, with temperatures falling as low as -17C in the North and -9C in the South. He said: “Britain is gearing up for a major snow event which will certainly be the severest deluge of the winter so far. “Friday is going to be an absolute nightmare and into Saturday it is looking dreadful too. We could see 12ins fall in some parts.â€

Jim Dale, at British Weather Services, said they had issued a red snow warning for Friday, indicating “extreme perilâ€. He said: “An Atlantic system will push into the UK meeting cold air and the resulting battle leading to heavy snow. “This is going to be the heaviest and most widespread snow event of the winter, which could parallel the big freeze of 2010. And it is set to last, with more on the way into next week.†The extreme winter of 2010 crippled transport networks and grounded flights.

Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: “You have to go back to December 2010 for the last time we had this amount of snow and disruption forecast. “We are expecting blizzard conditions and there is the potential for severe disruption. “We are urging people to consider whether or not journeys are necessary. The Midlands, North-west and Wales look like being worst affected.â€

Breakdown services are preparing for their busiest time so far this winter after thousands were stranded in snow earlier in the week. RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We are gearing up for winter’s worst disruption. “We urge people to stay at home and only travel if absolutely essential. If you can work from home, Friday is the day to do it.†Darron Burness, for the AA, said: “Before heading out, motorists should check the Met Office weather alerts and traffic reports and allow more time for journeys. You don’t want to rush on potentially icy roads.

“Do the basic checks on your car and carry plenty of warm clothing, blankets, de-icer and scraper, some food, hot flask and a fully-charged mobile phone.†Steve Crosthwaite, head of the ­Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre, echoed the warning for motorists to avoid non-essential journeys. Britain shivered in the coldest temperatures so far this year when Marham, Norfolk, plunged to -13.4C on Wednesday morning. Harsh frosts and widespread ice cover are also expected from tomorrow.

http://beta.dailyexp...ekend-white-out

BLIZZARD CHAOS SET TO HIT BRITS

BRITAIN is facing “snowmageddon†tonight as the country is hit by a foot of snow, blizzards and drifts. And experts have warned travellers face some of the worst conditions in two years. A -15C, 6,000-mile-wide mega storm from Russia is thought to be the cause of the big freeze. The Met Office is considering a rare maximum-level red warning with “severe disruption†possible. Forecasters say roads are likely to be blocked while trains and planes will be cancelled. RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We’re gearing up for winter’s worst disruption. “We urge people to stay at home and only travel if absolutely essential. If you can work from home, Friday is the day to do it.†The Met Office said tomorrow’s snow is forecast to be the heaviest since December 2010, when 25cm fell and Heathrow was shut. It has issued severe alerts across England, Wales and southern Scotland from 3am until midnight tomorrow.

More than 10cm is possible in many parts – with an amber warning of up to 15cm of snow “widely†in the west Midlands, north-west and Wales. High ground could get a covering of as much as 25cm. The Met Office warned of gales whipping up blizzards and drifts and further snow sweeping north-east through Saturday. And more flurries will threaten the east next week. British Weather Services forecast up to 30cm of snow tomorrow, with meteorologist Jim Dale saying: “Snowmageddon is nearing, with many drifts expected and travelling conditions very dangerous.†Yesterday, sheet ice caused chaos in Norfolk as 264 schools – two out of three in the county – closed. Marham plunged to -13.4C, Britain’s coldest temperature this winter, and only reached -6.6C at noon. Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: “Friday will see a widespread snow event. “Amber warnings have been issued and we will decide on Thursday if amber is enough, or if we consider a red warning. There is potential for severe disruption.â€

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/293494/Blizzard-chaos-set-to-hit-Brits/

[Summer Sun]

Front page of Fridays Express

Army on Standby as 12ins will blanket Britain

Snow threatens full-scale National Emergency

Edited January 17, 2013 by Gavin.

[Summer Sun]

Total whiteout as schools close and transport links grind to a halt

http://beta.dailyexp...grind-to-a-halt

Fears for economy as snow sweeps over Britain

http://beta.dailyexp...ps-over-Britain

WEATHER RED ALERT AS SNOW FORCES MILLIONS TO STAY AT HOME

http://www.dailystar...ather-red-alert

Heathrow cancels hundreds of flights, 10,000 homes without power and 2,000 schools closed as wall of snow sweeps across Britain

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2IKyMtX3O

It's not all bad!": Bungling vandal suspect arrested after police follow footprints left in the snow

http://www.mirror.co...suspect-1543293

Red alert: Met Office issue "very rare" red severe weather warning ahead of 10in snowfall

http://www.mirror.co...e-issue-1542121

It’s white fright as red alert is issued ahead of 1ft of snow

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4750302/White-fright-as-red-alert-issued-ahead-of-up-to-1ft-of-snow.html#ixzz2IKz6Gidl

Edited January 18, 2013 by Gavin.