Newcastle weather: Met Office extends yellow weather warning for ice as cold snap continues

The Met Office has extended its yellow weather warning for ice by another day as the cold snap continues. The alert covers most of the east coast of England including Newcastle.

In place until midday today, the national weather service is warning some disruption is likely due to icy surfaces. A spokesperson said: "Frequent wintry showers are likely to fall on frozen surfaces in places, leading to the formation of icy patches. These showers are likely to fall as snow on high ground, with the potential for several centimetres to accumulate over parts of southern Scotland, Northeast England and the North York Moors."

This comes just days after the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a level three cold weather alert at level three, classed as ‘severe weather action’ and just one notch below ‘national emergency. The alert encourages people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather as low temperatures and potentially severe overnight frosts affect large parts of the country.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: "Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

"If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can and keep your bedroom windows closed at night."

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, added: "Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards. However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast."

What to expect from a yellow weather warning

The Met Office has warned of the following conditions while the weather warning for ice is in place.

• Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

Newcastle travel disruption

London North Eastern Railway is currently showing to be running a ‘good service’ although it is advised to check before travelling by train during icy and snowy conditions. Network Rail warn of the potential for the following issues caused by the cold weather:

• In very cold weather, snow and ice can build up on the tracks blocking points, the equipment that allows trains to move between tracks.
• Ice can coat the electrified third rail and overhead power cables, preventing trains from drawing the power they need to run and leaving them stranded.
• Icicles on tunnels, bridges and other structures can also damage trains and overhead power cables.
• In very snowy weather where snow lies deeper than 30cm, trains can’t run safely unless they have been fitted with snow ploughs.