Forecasters have issued a sharp winter weather warning, predicting as much as 12 inches (30 cm) of heavy, drifting snow to impact parts of the country within hours.
Strong gales, rapidly dropping temperatures, and a messy transition from rain to snow are expected to disrupt morning commutes and evening returns, creating hazardous travel conditions for roads, railways, and shops alike.
The atmosphere reflected growing concern—shoppers hurriedly grabbed the last bags of rock salt, while the nervous clatter of baskets filled the small store. Outside, breath formed tiny clouds over a queue of cars snaking past the petrol station as a gritter with flashing orange lights slowly passed by.
The heavy sky seemed to shrink the city. Children pressed their faces to windows in excitement, while adults repeatedly checked weather apps, their footwear, and clocks to prepare.
The snow line is expected to move southeast early in the morning, with the heaviest snowfall timed around school runs and late shift changes. Forecast models indicate a deep, cold air mass meeting moist Atlantic air, creating the classic conditions for heavy snowfall.
“That’s a classic set-up for 12 inches where bands stall. Winds gusting 30–40 mph will whip powder across exposed routes.”
These fast, thin layers of snow on still-warm tarmac are particularly dangerous, as they drastically reduce traction.
This intense winter storm threatens severe disruption nationwide as strong winds and heavy snow combine to create treacherous conditions on roads and public transport.
The looming snowstorm and fierce winds set the stage for a chaotic day, urging everyone to prepare carefully for potentially dangerous travel and widespread disruption.