The Met Office has extended an amber weather warning for parts of the North East into Monday.
An amber snow warning remains place for the North East throughout Sunday, but it has now been extended and will run up until 6am on Monday. It is understood that the yellow weather warning, also issued on Sunday, will still run from midnight on Sunday, January 5, to midday on Monday, January 6.
Giving a weather update, the Met Office stated that the new amber warning will run from 9pm on Sunday, until 6am on Monday. It said: “Further snow will affect the hillier areas of northern England during Sunday night, easing later. Snow will be persistent and heavy at times, and will drift in the strong north-easterly winds.
“An additional 5-10 cm of snow is possible on ground above 200 metres and as much as 15 cm above 300 metres. Travel will likely be difficult, with power line icing an additional impact.”
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County Durham and Northumberland are likely to be the worst affected, and those living in rural areas face the risk of being cut off. It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but for those who need to make essential journeys, consider alternative forms of transport.
The Met Office is urging drivers to use dipped headlights, accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible; starting in second gear to help with wheel slip. Power cuts and other services, such as mobile phone coverage may be affected by the weather and there is potential for delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, as well as on the roads.
If isolated due to snow, keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night; turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed; ensure pets are safe by keeping them warm and comfortable. Prevent frozen pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing; stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in.
Sources – Newcastle City Council/Newcastle Council of Elders