Drivers across the United Kingdom are being urged to exercise extreme caution as treacherous icy conditions and thick fog patches are forecast to develop in the wake of Storm Chandra. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice, which is set to impact several regions from Sunday night into Monday morning.
Met Office Issues Yellow Warning for Ice and Fog
A yellow warning for ice has been officially activated by the Met Office, covering south-west England, parts of Hampshire, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This alert signifies that there is a high likelihood of low-level disruption to daily life, including significant travel delays and hazardous driving conditions.
The warning will remain in effect from 10pm on Sunday until 9am on Monday. According to meteorological experts, the combination of recent rainfall and plummeting temperatures near or below freezing will create icy patches on untreated surfaces. A Met Office spokesperson elaborated on the situation, stating: "With wet surfaces following recent rain and temperatures falling close to or below freezing, icy patches will be possible on untreated surfaces for a time on Sunday night into Monday morning."
Uncertain Cloud Cover and Additional Hazards
The extent of cloud cover across parts of Wales and central southern England remains uncertain, which will directly influence whether temperatures drop sufficiently to allow ice to form. In addition to the icy conditions, the Met Office has highlighted the potential for fog patches to develop, posing an additional hazard for road users. The spokesperson added: "A few fog patches may pose an additional hazard."
Ongoing Flooding Concerns Following Storm Chaos
This latest weather alert follows a particularly dreary month characterised by persistent heavy rain, snowfall, and stormy conditions across the UK. Earlier this week, numerous regions were severely impacted by major flooding and high-speed winds brought on by Storm Chandra.
In Somerset, a major incident was declared due to the high risk of flooding in the levels and moors. Ultra high-volume pumps continue to operate on the Somerset Levels to clear accumulated floodwater, and the major incident status remains unchanged. Somerset Council has issued a caution that further rainfall could lead to additional properties being flooded in the Moorland, Saltmoor, and Currymoor areas.
Environment Agency Reports and Tragic Incident
The Environment Agency has reported that water levels in the River Tone, Somerset, have now stabilised. Additionally, the Parrett flood relief channel has been opened to allow excess water to drain effectively. Additional contingency pumps have been installed at strategic locations including Aller Drove and Westonzoyland to manage the ongoing situation.
Elsewhere in the country, a tragic incident occurred this week when a man in his sixties died after his lorry drove into the River Avon near the New Forest in Hampshire.
Current Flood Warnings Across the UK
Across England, 58 flood warnings remain active, with the majority affecting Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire. A further 118 flood alerts are still in place nationwide, indicating areas where flooding is possible and preparedness is advised.
In Wales, two flood alerts are currently in effect, covering Pembrokeshire and Powys. Scotland has three flood warnings issued for Tayside and Orkney, highlighting the widespread nature of the weather disruptions.
Full List of Areas Affected by Ice and Fog Patches
The following regions are specifically mentioned in the Met Office warning for icy conditions and potential fog:
- Northern Ireland: County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, County Tyrone
- South East England: Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton
- South West England: Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Torbay, Wiltshire
- Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan
Motorists travelling through these areas are strongly advised to check local weather updates, allow extra time for journeys, and drive with heightened awareness of the potentially dangerous road conditions.
