Yahoo News Met Office issues fresh Yorkshire snow warning as 'rapid thaw' predicted
Experts at the Met Office have issued a snow and rain weather warning for most of Yorkshire this weekend.
The yellow weather warning may cause problems on the roads with a large volume of snow rapidly melting with a small chance power cuts could happen and rural communities potentially "cut off". The weather warning comes into play from 4am on Saturday, November 23. It lasts until 9am on Sunday, November 24.
The warning area drawn out by the Met Office encompasses all of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, with only a few towns in East Yorkshire. Leeds, York, Bradford, Huddersfield and Sheffield will get some snow on Saturday, according to the experts.
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York has been singled out as one of the main cities to feel the brunt of the snow. The Met Office, along with advice of what to expect during the timeframe, says: "Heavy snow on Saturday, followed by a rapid thaw and subsequent rain on Saturday night, may cause some disruption."
Adding: "Outbreaks of rain will spread northeastwards on Saturday, preceded by a spell of snow across parts of northern England and Scotland. 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."
What should I expect?
There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
What should I do?
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 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.
Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. 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.
