Up to 5cm of snow will hit the East of England on Sunday morning, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning as commuters face potential travel chaos. The alert covers eight hours from 3am to 11am, affecting millions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and parts of Cambridgeshire.
Roads could become treacherous as temperatures hover between 0°C and 2°C, creating a dangerous mix of snow and sleet. Minor routes face the greatest risk, with icy patches expected on untreated surfaces. Rail services may also suffer delays, leaving early travellers scrambling for alternative routes.
Higher ground could see the heaviest snowfall, with forecasters warning that even modest accumulations will cause significant disruption during the busy Sunday morning period. Power cuts remain possible, though less likely than transport problems.
The Met Office has urged residents to check road conditions before travelling and allow extra time for journeys. Vehicle preparation is essential, whilst pedestrians should watch for slippery pavements. Neighbours are being asked to check on vulnerable residents who may struggle with the conditions.
Elsewhere across the UK, the weather picture looks markedly different. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see cloudy skies with scattered showers and milder temperatures of 4°C to 7°C. Wales faces similar conditions with patchy rain, whilst the rest of England outside the warning zone expects cloudy skies and light rain with temperatures reaching 3°C to 6°C.
Weather officials will update the warning if conditions worsen or the affected area expands. Sunday's snowfall marks the first significant winter weather event for the East of England this season.