UK weather forecast: Latest snow updates as Met Office issues warning

The weather is expected to calm down from Friday with cold weather and blue skies.

Wet and windy weather will grace the UK on Saturday and Sunday and into next week.

Here is the Met Office weather forecast for the next 10 days:

Manager Keith Hawes said: “Road accidents are often more frequent during the winter period due to various factors, such as bad weather, dark nights and heavy traffic.

“It is important that motorists exercise extra caution and follow the advice given to avoid contributing to these statistics through irresponsible driving this winter.”

Here are three tips for avoiding a fine and driving safely in the snow:

Don’t drive with snow on your roof and windshield

“Only de-icing or snowing part of your windscreen, known as ‘windowing’, can result in up to three points on your license and a £60 fine.

“By law, every pane of glass must be visible and you must have a clear view of the road from all angles before setting off.

“It’s always a good idea to completely wipe snow and ice off your roof and every window.”

Don’t let snow or ice block your license plate

“If you fail to remove ice or snow obscuring your front and rear number plate, you could be fined up to £1,000 by local authorities.

“The law states that all license plates must be clearly visible, because if they are obstructed, it can prevent your car from being detected by speed cameras or police checks.

“So it’s important to make sure there’s no snow, ice or sand covering them before you go this Christmas.”

Don’t let your car run while the windshield is defrosting

“Despite de-icing your car to make your driving conditions safer, you can actually commit a crime if you don’t do it properly on public roads.

“Under the Road Traffic Act 1998, it is illegal to leave your engine running while clearing snow and ice from outside your vehicle on a public road – this can also result in an initial £20 fine.

“Always make sure to turn off your vehicle before you get out.”

Strong winds are officially impacting Scotland, with yellow weather warnings in place across the country.

Wind gusts reached 92 knots at the summit of Cairn Gorm, a mountain in the Highlands currently experiencing sub-zero temperatures of -2C.

A flood alert issued for the River Severn in Shropshire was updated on Thursday morning to say water levels have now fallen below the flood risk threshold.

According to the Environment Agency, Crew Green peaked at 5.8m on Monday, Montford peaked at 4.8m on Monday evening, Welsh Bridge peaked at 2.4m on Tuesday and Buildwas peaked at 3.5m Tuesday.

Residents have been warned to avoid trails and low-lying roads near rivers.

The Environment Agency said: ‘We are monitoring the situation closely.

“Please avoid using low-level trails near local waterways and plan driving routes to avoid low-level roads near rivers, which may be flooded.

“This post will be updated by 9 a.m. on Friday, February 11, or as the situation changes.”

Glasgow saw very heavy snow last night as thunder rumbled in the background.

Glasgow will see showers and longer spells of rain today, coupled with strong gale force winds, the Met Office said.

A yellow weather warning for the wind is in place in the city until noon.

Conditions are expected to become drier and brighter in the afternoon.

In case you missed it, a yellow weather warning for snow is in place in Scotland until 11am Thursday morning.

The main areas affected include Central, Tayside and Fife, South West Scotland, Lothian and Borders, Strathclyde, Highlands and Grampian.

Police said several weather-related collisions were reported on the M8, M9 and M90 on Thursday morning after a yellow weather warning was issued in Scotland.

Drivers have been warned of travel disruptions and urged to drive carefully.

Road Policing Scotland tweeted: ‘Many weather-related collisions have already been reported this morning on the M8, M9 and M90, to name a few.

“Please comply with current road and weather conditions.

“Look straight ahead and increase your following distance to account for any increased stopping distance.”

Travel watchdog Traffic Scotland has reported continued disruption to road routes for motorists overnight as parts of Britain brace for extreme weather.

Traffic restrictions were reported in both directions on the A87 Skye Bridge, there was a total closure of the A95 at North Aviemore and caution was advised on several bridges.

The Met Office predicted gusts reaching around 50mph and 60mph in some places.

Weather experts said while these wind speeds are not unusual for the time of year in Scotland, further damage is expected as trees and structures have recently been weakened due to the impacts of Storm Corrie and Storm Malik.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected to batter parts of Scotland on Thursday morning.

Patchy showers will follow with wintry conditions on higher ground, according to the Met Office. There will also be sunny spells in some areas, however.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “Because you have this differential it is possible, quite easily, that warm air at floor level as it heats up will start to rise very quickly in the air. Cold air and that’s what creates the potential for thunderstorms, so we’re likely to see with other winter showers, likely to see hail and snow.

Thundersnow, also known as a winter thunderstorm, is caused by similar conditions that cause thunder in the summer and produce snow instead of rain.

Forecasters had issued a stormy snow warning for parts of Scotland after an extremely cold start to Thursday morning as temperatures dropped below freezing in most parts of the UK overnight.