Weather warnings as Arctic winds, hail and snow set to sweep across Britain

Arctic winds are set to blow into parts of the UK tonight, bringing strong winds, snow, sleet and hail over three days, forecasters say.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for snow and ice from Monday afternoon through to Wednesday evening.

The warning covers Northern Ireland, most of Scotland and the far north of England, where Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said there could be up to 20cm of snow on land higher than 200-300 metres (650ft-984ft).

Ms Maxey added that the hills of Northern Ireland, especially in the north of the country, could also see as much as 15cm of snow.

"At lower levels, we're looking at two to eight centimetres more typically below that 200 metre height," she said.

"There could well be some hail and lightning around as well, particularly over western Scotland. Obviously, lightning has the potential to disrupt power supplies.

"There are strong winds as well throughout that period, so you could see some blizzard conditions if you've got the strong winds and the falling snow, again mainly over higher ground."

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There is also a weather warning for snow and ice starting early on Tuesday and lasting until 11am on Wednesday.

This covers parts of Wales and northern England, where there could be up to 20cm of snow on higher ground and up to 8cm in more populated areas.

Showers will turn to sleet, snow and hail late on Monday night in northern England before affecting parts of Wales and the Midlands on Tuesday evening and into Wednesday.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued to cover England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the south of Scotland between 9pm Wednesday and 1pm Thursday.

Ms Maxey blamed a low pressure system crossing the country overnight on Wednesday, adding that "isolated more exposed areas" would see 80mph winds but 60-70mph would be more likely for most.

People have also been warned of possible travel delays and possible ice on roads and pavements.