Met Office says stockpile blankets and clothes as heavy snow returns

More heavy snow could arrive in England and Scotland overnight, the Met Office has warned, as households have been advised how best to prepare for another freezing flurry of flakes.

The weather experts have a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in place in 56 areas of the UK overnight, running until 10am on Sunday, February 15.

Areas most likely to see heavy snow include Manchester, Nottingham, Sunderland, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Durham, Lancaster, North Yorkshire, Derby, Stoke and most of Scotland.

Households in affected areas expecting snow have also been told, in linked advice, to be prepared by buying 'plenty of blankets and warm clothing' as well as torches and batteries and candles and matches or lighters.

The Met Office's warning says: "Outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards on Saturday night will fall as snow initially, even to low levels for a time, before becoming confined to higher ground as milder air arrives from the west.

Temporary snow accumulations of 1-3 cm will be possible at low levels, with 3-7 cm possible above about 150 m elevation, and perhaps 10-15 cm above 400 m. Areas sheltered to the north of high ground may see very little snow. Ice will be an additional hazard, particularly across northeast England and parts of Scotland where precipitation has the potential to fall on frozen ground leading to very slippery conditions.

"Snow will turn increasingly to rain into Sunday morning, perhaps as a short spell of freezing rain in places, before eventually clearing to the east with a steady thaw of lying snow then setting in."

The Met Office forecast for Saturday adds: "By Saturday evening rain will move into western areas, turning to snow as the milder Atlantic air meets the cold air already in place across the country. Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across central and northern parts of the UK."

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Rebekah Hicks, said: "Snow is likely ahead of the rain across northern England and Scotland and could reach lower levels at times Saturday night into Sunday.

The snow will gradually turn to rain as the front moves east across the country on Sunday.

"The rain may be heavy at times and it will be windy in coastal areas. Additional warnings may be required. We encourage the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any warnings that may be issued."

The Met Office advice on staying safe in snow says: "You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days.

Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need:

• Torches and batteries

• Candles and matches or lighters

• Plenty of blankets and warm clothing."