Storm Darcy is set to bring heavy snow and gale force winds to parts of England from Sunday as wintry conditions continue.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow covering the length of Britain from Saturday, with a more serious amber warning in place for Scotland’s central Highlands.
The Environment Agency has now also issued parts of the North East with flood alerts as heavy rain is expected to fall throughout Saturday.
The storm has also led the Met Office to issue an amber warning for snow for the South East of England from early on Sunday morning.
There is a chance a few places could see as much as 20cm of snow, forecasters have warned.
The Met Office said the Dutch have named the low-pressure system that will bring strong winds and widespread snow to south east England on Sunday as Storm Darcy.
Places within the amber warning expected to be hit by Darcy include Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent.
Roads may become blocked by deep snow, with the possibility of many stranded vehicles and passengers.
Cold air emanating from Russia and Eastern Europe will move across the UK over the coming days, bringing “significant” snow to parts of Eastern England and Scotland, forecasters said.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “The UK is in for a notably cold and snowy period over the next week, with very cold air in place over the whole of the UK by Sunday.
“Showers will see snow accumulating across eastern areas. Within the amber warning area, more widespread snow is expected and we could see 5-10 cm of snow quite widely, with a chance that a few places could see 20cm or more.”
Flood alerts in full
Lower River Coquet
"River levels remain high but appear to have peaked throughout the catchment. Consequently, flooding of low lying roads and farmland remains possible today.
"Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. Rain is likely to continue today, but will be less intense and persistent than yesterday and will turn to snow through the day.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."
Upper River Coquet
"River levels remain high but appear to have peaked throughout the catchment. Consequently, flooding of low lying roads and farmland remains possible today.
"Rothbury Riverside flood gates are closed. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."
