UK Weather Britain to see eight inches of snow tonight

UK Weather Britain to see eight inches of snow tonight



Britain will be hit by eight inches of snow, floods, 70mph winds and four inches of rain over the next 24 hours.



The Met Office said heavy and persistent snow is expected in Scotland overnight, with 2in (5cm) likely for many parts and up to 8in (20cm) on the highest ground, with a weather warning valid from midnight to 1pm tomorrow.



Forecasters have warned that some roads and railways are likely to be affected by the conditions, with possible longer journey times for road, bus and train services. Railway services in Scotland are already being disrupted.



The Environment Agency has issued 25 flood alerts and ten warnings for England - with most in the North West, but others in the South West and elsewhere. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued two alerts.



However, mild weather continued for some parts today, with temperatures in the South West of England forecast to reach at least 16C (61F). Bude in Cornwall and Exeter in Devon were already at 15C (59F) by 8am this morning.



The mild southern air is due to a low pressure system dragging mild air from the Bay of Biscay and southern Europe. But most of Scotland struggled to get into double figures today.



Meanwhile a warning for heavy rain is in force for southern Scotland, northern England and North West Wales until 9am tomorrow, with spray and flooding on roads making journey times longer.



Strong winds are also forecast, with a weather warning in place for most of England until 7am tomorrow.



Met Office spokesman Nicola Maxey said: 'Snow is forecast for northern Scotland and this could potentially affect travel in the area. Outside that area snow is not going to be an issue, it's more likely to be heavy rain.



'The rain warning is in place until 9am tomorrow morning so will run over into the morning rush hour so there could be spray on the roads, and at this time of year with leaves blown down we could see drains getting blocked up which could lead to surface water and flooding.'



In the Highlands rail passengers are facing disruption after three landslips following heavy rain forced the cancellation of some services.



Train services from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and Wick have been affected, with the line blocked between the Highland capital and Beauly. A weather warning for rain was also in place for parts of Northern Ireland today.



RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: 'We are warning drivers across the UK that high winds will make conditions challenging.



'The advice is for drivers to slow down and ensure they double the normal recommended two-second distance between their car and the vehicle in front.



'Hold the steering wheel firmly and be prepared to be buffeted by gusts of wind. Drivers in Scotland who travel on roads on high ground and mountain passes should be prepared for snowy conditions.



'It's wise to pack a 'winter survival kit' including a shovel, blanket, additional warm clothing, a torch, a flask with a warm drink and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and consider letting your friends, family or colleagues know when you expect to arrive.



'It may be worth delaying your journey or taking an alternative route until conditions improve and the snow ploughs have made roads fully passable. Keep tuned to the weather and travel forecasts on local radio.'