The Met Office has upgraded its weather warning for the North East this weekend, with an amber warning now set to come into force for heavy snow.
The amber alert has been issued for likely disruption due to snow across northern England from 9pm on Saturday, January 4, and lasting all day on Sunday, January 5, before being lifted at midnight. Forecasters predict “significant accumulations” of snow in the North East on Sunday, with the latest weather maps showing snowfall in excess of 4mm per hour covering much of the region throughout the day.
The Met Office has warned that travel delays and cancellations are expected in the wintry weather, with rail and air travel likely to see disruptions while there will also be delays on the roads, leaving some vehicles and passengers stranded. In addition, there is a risk of power cuts and that some rural communities may be cut off by the snow.
The amber warning will come into force at 9pm on Saturday, January 4
(Image: Met Office)
The warning covers most of the region, including the majority of Newcastle, Gateshead North and South Tyneside, Northumberland, County Durham and Sunderland, with only coastal areas excluded. Weather maps show that the coast is likely to see hail or rain for much of the weekend, with snow more likely for areas further inland.
This new alert comes in addition to a 36-hour yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued for a wider part of England and Wales, including the majority of the North East, from midday on Saturday until midnight on Sunday.
The explanation behind the new warning reads: “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.
“Much of the warning area can expect 3-7 cm of snow. Areas above about 150m will likely see 15-30 cm, with 40cm for ground above 300m, before snow begins to ease and clear by the end of Sunday.”
Forecasters have advised that it is “safer not to drive in these conditions”, and recommend using alternative forms of transport if you need to travel. With an amber cold health alert issued for all regions of England, people have also been urged to help protect vulnerable people in their community who may need support with food and medical supplies.