November 19th 2024.
Today, Buxton, Derbyshire looks like a picturesque ski resort in Finland. It's hard to believe that just a few decades ago, snowy scenes like this were a common sight in England. Children would excitedly build snowmen every winter, but as the years passed, winters have become warmer and wetter. The frequency of heavy snowfalls has decreased, and it's become a rare occasion to see the ground covered in a blanket of white.
However, today was an exception. The day started with a flurry of snow, even in London during the busy morning rush hour. But it wasn't just a light dusting, there was plenty of the white stuff to go around. In fact, some areas saw significant snowfall, causing both joy and frustration. Nottingham received 12cm, while Leek in Staffordshire and Powys in Wales saw 8cm and 9cm respectively. And according to the Met Office, there's more to come as they forecast more snow and icy conditions in various parts of the country.
Weather warnings are still in place for the east coast, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and won't be lifted until midnight or noon tomorrow, depending on the location. Wintry showers are expected to continue, mainly along the coasts and northern Scotland, with some areas experiencing rain and sleet.
As seen in the photos, the first snowfall of winter brought both delight and inconvenience. A snowman in Edensor, Derbyshire looked quite bemused as he tried to stay warm in his winter gear. In Leicester, a bus and several cars were left stranded in the snow. And in Crook, County Durham, residents woke up to icy streets. But there were also those who were able to enjoy the snow, like Harvey Haswell and Olivia Miles in Sheffield, who braved the cold in their pajamas and crocs.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold weather health alert, warning that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, especially the elderly. The alert covers various parts of England, while yellow alerts are in place for the South East, South West, and London. The cold weather has also affected train services, with National Rail reporting disruptions on northern routes.
According to Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong, the cold Arctic air is here to stay for the week, and with it, more winter hazards. The focus is currently on the upcoming snow and ice risk, which is expected to hit parts of Northern Ireland and Wales as well as the north and east of England. There is a possibility of up to 10cm of snow in higher areas and 1-2cm at lower levels, which could cause travel disruptions. The additional hazard of ice forming quickly on untreated surfaces adds to the challenge of this wintry weather.
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