UK: Adverse winter weather forecast to continue across parts of the UK through at least Jan. 12 /update 5

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast to persist across parts of the UK through at least Jan. 12. A weather system moving over the English Channel is forecast to bring a mix of rain, sleet, and snow to southern England Jan. 8. Snowfall accumulations of up to around 10 cm (4 inches) are possible over higher ground. Precipitation levels are forecast to diminish from Jan. 9; however, cold temperatures are likely to persist over the coming days and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is maintaining amber cold health alerts across England through at least Jan. 12.

Weather-related disruptions have been ongoing across parts of the country over recent days. Heavy snowfall fell over parts of Wales and northern and central England Jan. 4-5, with heavy rainfall in areas further south. Flights have been halted at several airports, including Manchester Airport (MAN), Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), Bristol Airport (BRS), and Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) in recent days; however, operations have largely returned to normal as of Jan. 8. Widespread rail and road disruptions have been reported and hundreds of schools have been closed across various parts of the country. National Rail officials have warned of further disruptions to Great Western Railway (GWR), Northern, and Merseyrail services due to flooding and ice through at least the end of Jan. 8. Flooding has affected many parts of the country in recent days due to rainfall and snow melt, with parts of Leicestershire amongst the worst affected locations. Dozens of flood warnings and hundreds of flood alerts remain in place across parts of England and Wales as of Jan. 8; however, officials have advised that the flood threat is likely to diminish over the coming days.

As of Jan. 8, the UK Met Office has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Amber snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southwestern England Jan. 8.

• Yellow snow warnings: Across southern England Jan. 8.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Parts of northern and western Northern Ireland and northern Scotland Jan. 8-9 and parts of southwestern England and northern and western Wales Jan. 9.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas over the coming days. Further traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are likely to continue on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities will probably close stretches of motorway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles and power lines throughout the affected area.