Even though there was no white Christmas this year, there’s still a good chance it will be a white start to the New Year.
Snow is expected to fall across large swathes of the North East this weekend, and everyone is braced for some icy weather. A weather warning for snow and ice is set to come into force from midday on Saturday, January 4 and remain in place until midnight on Sunday, January 5, covering the majority of the region with the exception of the coast, as well as affecting most of England and Wales.
While this 36-hour warning is in effect, there is a risk of travel disruption on the roads as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel. There is also a small chance of power cuts and rural communities becoming cut off as heavy snow and freezing rain hit, the Met Office has warned. In addition, amber cold health alerts have been issued for all regions of England including the North East between now and January 8, warning of “significant impacts” across health and social care services due to the winter weather.
Using data from Open Weather, our Snow Map shows which parts of the North East can expect some degree of snowfall over the coming days. Areas of Northumberland and County Durham are set for heavy snowfall on Sunday, whereas Sunderland is expected to see light snow.
The Met Office said: “Snow will reach the south of the warning area later Saturday, then spread north across the rest of the area through Sunday morning. Snow will be persistent and heavy at times, and will likely drift in brisk easterly winds, especially over higher ground.
Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter
“Much of the warning area can expect 3-7cm of snow. Areas above about 150m will likely see 15-30cm, with 40cm for ground above 300m, before snow begins to ease and clear by the end of Sunday. For some lower-lying areas, such as the Vale of York, snow may mix with rain at times making estimations of snow depths here more difficult. Regardless, travel will likely be difficult, with power line icing an additional impact.”