Edinburgh weather: Met Office issues warning ahead of 'heavy snow and rain'

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for "heavy snow and rain" across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The agency has warned locals of disruption and a "danger to life" caused by persistent snowfall on Saturday, November 23, followed by persistent rain with the warning in place until Sunday at 9am.

During that period, forecasters say there is a chance of power cuts affecting services, rural communities being cut off, homes and businesses being flooded and delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

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The Met also says due to fast flowing or deep floodwater, there could be a danger to life. The warning is in place throughout the weekend for most of the country including East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian.

It comes as temperatures are set to continue to plummet to -4 on Wednesday evening ahead of 'icy and sleet showers' over the weekend. Despite sunny intervals, highs of just 5C are expected for the remainder of the week.

Met Office forecasters say: "Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards on Saturday, preceded by a spell of snow across parts of northern England and Scotland.

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"Whilst snow will become increasingly confined to higher elevations with time, there is the chance of a transient period of snow to low levels in some areas, with perhaps as much as 5-10 cm accumulating in places, especially the Vale of York, before turning back to rain. Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20 cm are possible on ground above 150m, with perhaps as much as 20-40 cm above 300m.

"In conjunction with strengthening winds, difficult driving conditions are likely, especially over higher level routes, with possibly some interruptions to power supplies.

"In addition, the rapid thaw of lying snow as milder air arrives, with perhaps an additional 20-40 mm of rain in some upland areas during Saturday night, will lead to a greater likelihood of rainfall impacts later in the period."

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