Several areas of Essex could soon see snow after the Met Office issued a mega three-day yellow warning. The warning is in place from Saturday at 12pm (January 4) to Monday at 9am (January 6).
Experts at the Met Office have predicted outbreaks of rains could be preceded by a spell of snow. Whilst it’s uncertain how far north it could spread, they say “significant accumulations of snow are possible”.
The Midlands, Wales and northern England are most at risk of disruption, but there could be also be snow in southern England – including in Essex. Given the uncertainties, it is quite likely this warning area and start/end times will be refined over the coming days as confidence increases in areas most likely to be impacted.
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The warning currently covers the districts of Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. But there are some towns that have fallen outside of the Met Office’s warning map.
They include the likes of Shoeburyness, Brightlingsea, Frinton-on-Sea and Manningtree. Colchester is split by the warning whilst the likes of Halstead, Chelmsford, Braintree, Harlow, Basildon, Brentwood and Tilbury are well within the current warning area.
(Image: The Met Office)
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank. Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially (but not exclusively) on hills.
“Currently, parts of the Midlands, Wales and northern England are most at risk of disruption, where 5cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with perhaps as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of Wales and/or the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.
“In addition, as milder air attempts to move northwards into southern and central areas, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time, adding to the risk of ice. If milder air is able to spread more bodily northwards, any snow in southern parts of the warning area may be relatively short-lived before turning to rain.
“Given the uncertainties, it is quite likely this warning area and start/end times will be refined over the coming days as confidence increases in areas most likely to be impacted.”
They added: “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”