Here we snow! Borderers warned to prepare for blast of winter
Last updated 14th Jan 2024
Up to 20cm of snow is forecast to fall in some areas of the UK on Tuesday.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow - be prepared - warning covering much of the country, including the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland.
Forecasters say there is a potential for travel disruption, and that some communities could even become cut off.
It comes as dozens of competitors set off on one of Britain's toughest running races, along the 268 mile Pennine Way - and should make conditions even more challenging, as temperatures plummet.
Four members of the Border Search and Rescue Team are also taking part in the shorter - 160 mile - MRT Challenge North route, which sets off on Monday.
Beginning from Hardraw in North Yorkshire, competitors have a time limit of 108 hours to get to the finish line at Kirk Yetholm.
A spokesperson said: "Snow showers will continue to feed inland early on Tuesday morning across northern and western Scotland, parts of Wales and northwest England, where 2-5cm of snow is possible over a few hours in some places.
"During the day, an area of more organised rain, sleet and snow is likely to move east with further showers following.
"There is still some uncertainty in the track of more prolonged snow, and it is possible that at lower elevations across Wales and northern England, this could turn to rain for a time.
"However, there is a chance some places could see 5-10 cm perhaps 20 cm of snow, particularly across the northern half of Scotland and over higher ground elsewhere."
What should I do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so we're being urged to keep ourselves and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary.
If driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do: consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/