Met Office issues new snow and rain weather warning for Teesside this weekend
A second weather warning has been put in place across Teesside this week.
The Met Office has issued an alert for snow and rain from 4am on Saturday to 9am on Sunday. “Heavy snow on Saturday, followed by a rapid thaw and subsequent rain on Saturday night, may cause some disruption,” the weather service states.
It comes as Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland, Darlington and Hartlepool were warned of snow and ice with a yellow alert from 6pm Tuesday to midday on Wednesday. Thermometers are predicted to drop to -2C in Middlesbrough on Wednesday night at around 10pm - although it may feel like -6C.
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The freezing temperatures are due to last until Thursday morning at 11am when it is predicted to reach 1C. However, despite the new weekend weather warning it doesn’t appear that Teesside is forecast any snow.
Heavy rain is predicted between 9am and 3pm on Saturday and light rain from midnight on Sunday until 6am. However, it is worth noting that forecasts can change. The warning covers Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Darlington.
Speaking of the new yellow weather alert, a Met Office spokesperson said: “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 to 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?
The weather service has provided some advice alongside the alert. “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe,” a spokesperson said.
“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."
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