Brits issued urgent travel warning as 'Arctic blast' snow batters UK

A travel warning has been issued after heavy snow has fallen overnight in some areas in the UK.

The Met Office has given three yellow weather alerts for snow and ice across the Midlands, northern England, parts of Northern Ireland, north east Wales and sections of Northern Ireland.

Yellow warnings suggest that the weather is likely to 'cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places'.

This comes after National Rail said it would expect the cold climate to impact various routes until 2pm on Tuesday (19 November).

These routes include Bradford Interchange and Huddersfield, and also between Halifax and Hebden Bridge and Hull.

Mersey Rail also said that its first lines would run without travellers to ensure the highest level of safety.

Those who will be travelling this morning have been asked to plan their journey ahead by checking their local rail app or social media.

Dan Suri, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “An area of low pressure slides its way eastwards on Monday night. The associated frontal system, marking the boundary between cold air in the north and milder conditions to the south, will bring disruptive snow to some areas between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

“This is likely to coincide with rush hour, leading to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning. It will also be windy in the far south.”

Across the North East and North West of the country, motorist have been advised to take extra care when heading out this morning.

Impacted roads included the M26 between J21-J23, the M1 at Leeds and Sheffield and the M56 at Manchester.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has since issued an amber warning which covers the east and north of England, midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London at 8am on Tuesday, lasting until 6pm on Saturday.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season.

“But we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.

“Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”

Charity Age UK also warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable and elderly people.

Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said: “With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses.”