Blizzard expected as Met Office issues severe ice warning amid -5C Arctic blast

Power failure warnings issued

The Met Office has issued wind warnings across North West England, Wales and Northern Ireland that will be in effect from Wednesday overnight into Thursday morning.

With that, the forecaster warned there could be delays to road, rail, air and ferry services, adding that “short-term blackouts and other services are possible”.

The Met Office said: “Winds will pick up in parts of Northern Ireland tonight, with gusts of likely 50 or 55mph in some places, perhaps 60mph in some exposed spots, before easing after midnight.

“In North Wales and North West England, winds are expected to peak in the early hours of the morning when gusts will reach 80-60mph widely and potentially around 70mph near some coasts.

“Here the winds will ease off a bit at daybreak and then become more pronounced as the morning progresses.”

The forecaster said the snow could also contribute to travel disruption, adding: “Some roads and possibly railways may be affected by snow, resulting in longer travel times.

“Possible areas of ice leading to an increased likelihood of injury or accidents, likely mainly on higher elevation roads.”

It added: “Overnight showers and prolonged spells of rain and sleet will progressively turn to sleet and hilltop snow through Thursday morning, leading to snow accumulations on higher levels of 1-4cm over 300m.

“Temporary low-level accumulations are possible, perhaps mostly across Caithness, but should be short-lived.

“Ice may form on some inland and highland roads by morning.”