The two warnings cover North Wales from 8am until 3pm and the South Pennines and Peak District from 12noon until 8pm today (Thursday). 

Outside of these Amber warnings there are a number of Yellow warnings for potentially disruptive snow and ice extending from mid-Wales and the Midlands north. A warning for snow has also been issued for Northern Ireland and in the south, a yellow warning for rain is in place.

Jason Kelly is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist. He said: “Cold across most areas away from the south the UK, will be met by moisture-laden air spreading from the south. Where milder air encounters cold air, rain, sleet and snow will develop, bringing the risk of 2-5cm of snow in places, whilst some other areas see little or no snow.  

“Over higher ground 5-10cm is likely, while locations above 200m within the Amber warning areas could see up to 25cm of snowfall. Snow here could drift in strong to gale force easterly winds. 

"As the milder air from the south gradually pushes northwards the focus for wintry hazards also shifts northward with warnings issued for Scotland.”

The UK Health Security Agency has Cold-Health Alerts in force for parts of England, highlighting the possibility of impacts for the health and the social care sector. 

Amy Shaw, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “Freezing conditions bring hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected. 

“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, check the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.” 

National Highways also reminds motorists to keep TRIP in mind ahead of journeys – Top-up: oil, water, screenwash; Rest: rest every two hours; Inspect: Inspect tyres and lights and Prepare: check your route and the weather forecast. 

Although the midlands and north of the country may see snow, in the south, a couple of bands of rain, heavy in places, will push northwards across southern England and south Wales today and early on Friday. It looks to remain unsettled over the weekend, with rain and showers, but turning milder.

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