York is bracing for severe winter weather as heavy snowfall and residual flooding continue to affect the city. Following heavy rainfall on New Year's Eve, which led to flooding incidents, forecasters are now warning of significant snow accumulations expected this weekend.
According to the Met Office, the first cold snap of the year is set to bring freezing conditions and heavy snowfall, particularly on Sunday, January 5. The amber weather warning has been issued, predicting persistent and heavy snowfall across much of northern England, including York.
York Central MP, Rachael Maskell, has voiced her concerns over the potential impact of the cold weather on residents. She urged those experiencing difficulties with heating to reach out for support. "Please contact me if you are experiencing the cold at home, heating support has been put in place through emergency funds through the energy companies and through the housing support fund. No-one must go cold," she stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued warnings related to the cold weather, stating there could be a "rise in deaths" due to the extreme temperatures, with alerts running until January 8. This serves as another stark reminder of the risks posed by winter conditions.
Describing the weather system, Dan Holley, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, explained, "An Atlantic frontal system is likely to move across parts of central and southern UK through the weekend. With milder, moisture-laden air engaging with the cold conditions already in place, this may bring a spell of snow.
Yorkshire Water is advising residents to take precautions. The company urges homeowners to lag their pipes to prevent them from freezing, which can result in leaks and costly damage. "Frozen pipes can crack, which might lead to a burst, and possible flooding inside people's homes. Insulating pipes goes a long way in helping to avoid this," emphasized Emily Brady, communications manager at Yorkshire Water.
Currently, flood warnings are still active across York, with numerous properties at risk. Three flood warnings remain as river levels on the Ouse have been measured to be 2.88 meters above normal. The Environment Agency has confirmed flooding is "expected" — particularly for areas like St George's Field and Naburn Lock.
Looking forward, the snow is expected to commence around 9 PM on Saturday and continue through Sunday. For those living above 150 meters, forecasts suggest accumulations of between 15 and 30 cm of snow, potentially reaching up to 40 cm at higher elevations.
The forecast adds to the challenges already faced by residents as recovery from flooding efforts continue. Travel is likely to be impacted, with authorities recommending caution on the roads. National Highways has advised travelers to check their vehicles and prepare emergency supplies, including blankets, food, and water.
Snowy conditions may cause drifting as strong easterly winds pick up, complicate travel for motorists, and potentially lead to power line icing, which can disrupt electrical services.
Health officials continue to warn of the risks associated with cold weather. The UKHSA's alerts last for several days, predicting not only increasingly cold temperatures but also the adverse health effects associated with prolonged exposure. Residents are reminded to stay warm and seek assistance if needed.
With the weather set to shift dramatically from rain to snow, York faces complicated challenges. The combination of the after-effects of flooding and the anticipated snow means residents must remain vigilant.