Icy start to February

Photo: Sheila Rayner

Snow, with a risk of widespread ice, is likely to bring difficult travel conditions (Pictured: snow on the railway line at Slattocks)

Monday 1 February is to bring an icy start to the month across the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for snow and ice from the evening of Monday through to night time on Wednesday 3 February.

Snow, with a risk of widespread ice, is likely to push slowly northeast from late Monday, bringing difficult travel conditions.

The Met Office says: “A band of rain, locally heavy in places, is likely to push slowly northeast across Wales and England late Monday. As this rain comes into contact with cold air in place, it is likely to readily turn to snow across parts of Wales, the Midlands, and later parts of northern England. 1-4 cm of snow is quite likely away from coasts, with 5-10 cm possible above about 150 metres. As well as snow, a period of freezing rain is possible for parts of east Wales and the West and South Midlands. Snow should turn back to rain from the south, lasting longest across parts of northern England.”

What to expect

• Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers, with bus and train services potentially delayed or cancelled. Some road closures and longer journey times are possible
• Possible delays or cancellations air travel
• Some rural communities could become cut off
• Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
• A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable