UP TO 10 inches of snow is on the cards today – with the Met Office issuing an amber alert as the freezing cold snap continues to bite.
Drivers were last night and some communities have been cut off due to the severe wintry .
A person removing snow off their car in Tow Law, County DurhamCredit: PA
Motorists were forced to abandon their cars last nightCredit: Facebook
An amber alert is in place, among six other yellow warningsCredit: MET OFFICE
Forecasts show tonight is expected to see temperatures in parts of the UK – with cold-health alerts also in place until Saturday.
The ‘s severe amber weather warning – covering a large swathe of the North East of England – remains in place until 9pm tonight.
It states: “Frequent wintry showers, leading to significant accumulations, are likely to cause disruption.”
It also warns of the likelihood of power cuts and adds: “Some rural communities could become cut off.”
What yellow, amber and red cold weather health alerts mean
Under the Weather Health Alert system developed by UKHSA and the Met Office, there are three cold health alert levels that may be issued:
- Yellow alerts may be issued during periods of cold which are unlikely to impact most people, but which could pose an increased risk those who are particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with significant health conditions. A yellow alert may also be issued if confidence in the weather forecast is low, but there could be more significant impacts if the worst-case scenario is realised.
- Amber alerts are issued in situations in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, where there is potential for the whole population to be at risk, and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required.
- Red alerts indicate significant risk to life for even the healthy population. Impacts would be expected across all sectors with a coordinated response essential.
The heaviest snow is most likely over the North York Moors and parts of the Wolds.
By the end of the day, nearly 10 inches could have accumulated on hills above 100m.
The Met Office adds: “Gusty winds, giving occasional blizzard conditions, and perhaps a few strikes, may accompany some of the showers, posing as additional hazards.”
Six further yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are also in place today, covering coastal areas, as well as much of .
The UK Security Agency has also issued amber and yellow cold-health alerts, which remain in place until Saturday across northern and the Midlands.
Yesterday, Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong warned Brits of the arrival of “cold Arctic air” from the north.
He said: “Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather… bringing the first notable cold snap of this and giving an early taste of weather.
“As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard.”
It comes after abandoned vehicles littered isolated roads on Wednesday evening due to heavy snow and the sub zero temperatures.
Shocking footage showed dozens of vehicles through blizzard-like conditions as darkness fell across the county.
were left abandoned in ditches as weather continued to worsen on the Moors National Park
Crashes on local routes have caused long tailbacks, with motorists stranded as temperatures plunged to -2C.
Two cars and two lorries blocked traffic from moving on the A171 Birk Brow near Whitby, leaving “hundreds” of cars stranded.
North Yorkshire confirmed the A169 between Whitby and Pickering was shut due to the horrific conditions.
In an earlier statement, the force said: “Please avoid the A171 near Whitby and across the moors towards Guisborough.
“Lots of vehicles are getting stuck due to the weather conditions. The A174 out of Whitby maybe passable at this time.
“If in any doubt, please don’t travel if you don’t need to. Stay safe out there.
“The A169 between Whitby and Pickering is currently closed due to the heavy snow conditions.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice.”
The five spots where snow is set to hit this week
The weather shows no sign of letting up
Brits are braced to be stung by Arctic cold conditions, sweeping wintry hazards and snow and ice across the country.
Wintry showers, including snow, are predicted to pummel Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North Yorkshire Moors, west Wales and the moors of southwest England on Tuesday and Wednesday.
But it will be dry and sunny for most areas on Thursday, with overnight frosts.
The Met Office revealed on X yesterday that the evening of November 15 was the coldest night in the UK since March 20, 2025.
An abandoned car in Scotland yesterdayCredit: BBC/UNPIXS
A car drives past a landscape covered in snow near PenistoneCredit: Reuters
A man takes a photo in the snow in the North Yorkshire Moors National ParkCredit: Getty 
