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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Joe Sommerlad

UK weather: Flurries of snowfall seen in Brighton and South Downs as icy blast strikes Britain

Britain is braced for a barrage of wintry weather after snow fell in Cumbria, Derbyshire and East Sussex overnight.

Flurries of snow have since been seen as far south as Brighton and Devil's Dyke in the South Downs of Sussex, as November closes with an icy blast.

Here's how the day's events unfolded.

Hello and welcome to The Independent's weather liveblog as the UK sees its first winter snowfall of the season.
The first snow struck northern England, Wales and Scotland yesterday and overnight, with Cumbria and Derbyshire experiencing the worst of it.
So far today Brighton and Devil's Dyke in the South Downs of Sussex have been hit and the icy conditions are set to take hold over the coming days.
Here's the latest update on the situation from The Independent's Tom Barnes:
 

Snow and sleet to sweep UK as Met Office warns of early winter blast

Forecasters monitoring situation as icy conditions and freezing fog expected in coming days
The Met Office has some advice for the coming cold spell:
 

Motorists have been warned of hazardous driving conditions on the Pennines between Lancashire and Yorkshire, with the Snake Pass between Manchester and Sheffield among the main roads covered in a blanket of snow.

Gritters were sent out on Tuesday afternoon in Derbyshire as snow began to settle, with patrols on the roads throughout the night on other routes including the Woodhead Pass and the Cat and Fiddle near Macclesfield.

If you think the erratic mixture of hill snow, showers and sunshine we're currently experiencing in the UK is unpleasant, spare a thought for New Yorkers.
 
Americans on the country's Eastern Seaboard are preparing to sit down for their coldest Thanksgiving Day since 1901 tomorrow, with a maximum temperature of -3 forecast. Brrr!
 
Those braving the elements to witness the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade through Manhattan will have particular cause to wrap up warm.
 
You can read more about the historic pageant here:
 
 

Everything you need to know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Department store's annual show run since 1924 with giant balloons a favourite fixture

A cold night with clear skies is forecast for Wednesday evening, with a widespread frost across the UK and more chilly weather for the weekend.

The AA warned drivers to take extra care as the weather conditions deteriorate.

George Flinton, AA Patrol of the Year, said: "The first really cold snap of winter can catch drivers unaware, putting them at risk.

"Preparation is key. Drivers should allow extra time for journeys, make sure their cars are clear of snow and ice before setting off and ensure they take warm clothes, food and drinks with them in case of unexpected delays.

"They should also make sure they drive to the conditions. So, allow extra space between vehicles and keep speeds down."

The harsh weather conditions in the UK and particularly the US could have serious ramifications for Black Friday, the bargain hunting bonanza that unofficially marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
 
Here's an introduction to the discount carnage about to unfold in all good stores near you:
 

A brief history of Black Friday

Retail's biggest day of the year is known for bargain brawls and in-store chaos but has proven itself an unstoppable commercial force
While Britain is getting excited about early snow, the same can't be said for Lapland.
 
The popular travel destination for young families hoping to meet Father Christmas and his reindeer is having a shortfall, a disaster for festive trade, reports The Independent's Simon Calder.
 
This shot from a webcam in the Arctic Circle city of Rovaniemi says it all:
 

What to do if there's no snow in Lapland on a Santa holiday

On our Winter Wonderland day break, we take you and your family to a magical location, close to a vast snow-covered wilderness’, promises Transun
Thank you for reading The Independent's coverage of today's weather.
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