As severe weather conditions grip the UK, bakery chain Greggs has extended temporary store closures across several regions, citing hazardous travel and public safety concerns. The Met Office's warnings for snow and ice have created a perfect storm of disruption, impacting not just customers but also staff struggling to reach work.
The closures are part of a broader shutdown across the country. Amber and yellow warnings issued by the Met Office indicate a significant risk of travel delays, power cuts, and danger to life. Areas in England's North East and Yorkshire have seen substantial snowfall, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland grapple with icy conditions and further snow showers. Temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing, exacerbated by strong winds making it feel even colder.
For England, amber warnings for snow cover the Pennines, where up to 15-20cm of snow is possible on higher ground, and 5-10cm at lower levels. Yellow warnings for snow and ice stretch from the Midlands to the Scottish border, where icy patches could make roads treacherous. In Scotland, significant snowfall has led to difficult driving conditions, particularly on higher routes, with some areas potentially seeing accumulations of 10-20cm. Wales is experiencing a mix of snow and ice, with particular concern for rural roads in the north and central regions. Northern Ireland is under a yellow warning for ice, with overnight temperatures plummeting and a risk of freezing rain.
Transport networks are heavily affected, with road closures, flight cancellations, and rail service delays reported across the UK. Motorists are being urged to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas and exercise caution if journeys are necessary. The Met Office advises checking local authority websites for road closures and public transport operators for updates.
Practical safety advice includes dressing warmly in multiple layers, checking on vulnerable neighbours, and ensuring homes are adequately heated. When venturing outside, particular care should be taken on icy surfaces to prevent slips and falls. Wind speeds of 20-30 mph are common across many warning areas, with gusts potentially reaching 40-50 mph in exposed coastal regions and over higher ground.
This severe weather is forecast to persist for several more days, with temperatures struggling to rise above 0-2°C in northern and eastern areas, and only reaching 3-5°C in the milder south-west. Overnight lows are expected to consistently drop to -2°C to -6°C, with some isolated rural spots potentially seeing temperatures as low as -10°C.