Storm Darcy named as Met Office warns of strong winds and heavy snow
The UK is set to be battered with strong winds and heavy snow, with Met Office experts issuing warnings for the newly-named Storm Darcy.
Brits have already been warned that the coming week could be the "snowiest, coldest week of the winter" and another "Beast from the East" could be on its way as a 250-mile band of snow is predicted next week.
Up to 30cm of snow could fall in some parts of the country, causing disruption across the country this weekend, according to the Met Office
Cold air emanating from Russia and Eastern Europe will move across the UK over the coming days, bringing significant snow accumulations to parts of Eastern England and Scotland.
Snow will continue to fall over higher ground in parts of central and eastern Scotland through Saturday and an Amber warning for snow is in force, but, rain at lower levels in eastern Scotland will also cause some flooding.
Rain will increasingly turn to snow on Sunday as the cold air spills across the whole of the UK. Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for snow and ice have been issued covering the eastern half of the UK from Saturday through to Wednesday.
Within this an Amber warning has been issued for snow brought to eastern parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent by Storm Darcy throughout Sunday.
There will be strong easterly winds during this period which may lead to blizzard conditions and blowing and drifting of lying snow at times.
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Daytime temperatures will stay in low single figures for much of the country over coming days, with some places staying below freezing and the bitter winds will make it feel even colder.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “The UK is in for a notably cold and snowy period over the next week, with very cold air in place over the whole of the UK by Sunday.
“Showers will see snow accumulating across eastern areas. Within the Amber warning area, more widespread snow is expected and we could see 5-10 cm of snow quite widely, with a chance that a few places could see 20 cm or more. With such severe weather around it’s important to keep up to date with the latest forecast.”
With temperatures across the UK falling as the cold air moves in, widespread overnight frosts and wind chill making daytime temperatures feel freezing, Cold Weather Alerts are in place across England.
The cold air is likely to remain in place through next week, bringing the continued risk of snow showers, particularly in the east.
Dr Owen Landeg, Group Leader, Extreme Events and Health Protection at PHE, said: “Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable it can have a serious impact on health. For older people and those with heart and lung problems it can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“So, it’s really crucial at this time to remember to check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses.
“Make a call, or socially-distanced doorstep visit if they live close by, to remind them of some simple but important health tips such as heating their home to at least 18 C (64.4 F) and to keep up to date with the forecast.
"It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need. This will help them to stay warm and stay well.”
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