New power cut fears as cold bites: Freezing fog after ‘coldest December night in decade’

It was reported that households could be alerted to reduce electricity usage within days due to rising energy prices and low wind levels.

It was reported that temperatures dropped to their lowest point for December in England in nearly a decade by midnight.

A snow warning has been issued for parts of the UK as Arctic conditions caused temperatures to plummet overnight and the Met Office predicts up to six inches of in the coming days.

Reports suggested that households could be alerted by the government to reduce electricity use within days, despite rising energy prices and sun and winds levels that will remain low. 

A woman takes a photo from the top of Edinburgh’s Calton Hill, where she was covered in snow on Thursday

Last night, the mercury dropped to -9.3C at Aonach Mor Mountain in Scotland. Aberdeen saw 2in (5cm), and the Scottish Highlands saw the mercury drop down to -9.3C. 

Temperatures dropped below -3C in North Yorkshire, with snow in Whitby, Bridlington, Scarborough and Scarborough. At midnight, Gatwick Airport was at -5C.

According to the Daily Telegraph: The National Grid stated it is available to take ‘enhanced measures’ to ensure power supply stability this weekend, as wind levels drop.

A company spokesperson stated that margins were expected to be tighter in the coming week, especially for the next few. This is based only on our current assessment. It is subject to change.

“Our control center has a range operational tools available to manage these. These actions also include our enhanced action.

The National Grid forecasts that Wind generaThe tion rate in Britain is expected to drop to 2.9 gigawatts today, and 1.1 GW Sunday.

This would reduce the company’s “spare capacity” to below “adequate” levels. 

The Telegraph reports that while it is unclear what these enhanced measures include, it could include people being compensated to use less energy during peak hours. 

Charities warned that elderly people could be affected by the cold snap because of the high energy prices and blackout risk. 

Morgan Vine, head of policy at Independent Age, said: ‘The prospect of blackouts affecting older people’s heating and electricity supply this winter is incredibly worrying.

‘Not being able to put the lights on or keep warm enough could put many older people’s health at risk, increasing the chance of falls and making health conditions worse. 

“Many older persons rely on equipment that requires continuous power. Many have telephones connected their broadband routers or use their TV or Radio to stay connected.

On Thursday, power cuts were already in effect in the West Country. This was before temperatures dropped sharply overnight. 

The Trondheim fjords, below the Arctic Circle in Norway, are where the weather front, known as the Troll From Trondheim, originates. 

The Met Office forecasted more snow and freezing across the UK last night with the possibility of additional weather warnings.

Thundersnow was observed Wednesday morning in north-east Scotland. This is a phenomenon where thunderstorms can form and lead to downpours.

Many schools in Scotland were forced to close or delay opening on Thursday due to disruption caused by the “Troll of Trondheim”.

On Wednesday night, a pedestrian was killed in a collision between three vehicles in East Kilbride (Scotland).

Two men died in a crash in west Cornwall after the freezing weather ravaged the area.

Both victims were in the same vehicle that was involved in a collision on Wednesday night at 9.10pm on the A3083.

A cyclist was also killed in a collision with another car on Thursday in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. The roads were covered in frost and it was sub-zero.

Trondheim’s Troll will bring low winds and sunlight to make it harder for winter energy backups to be found.

Gordon Pearson, who used the closed roads near Carrbirdge for cross-country skiing, was able to take advantage of them

Salt was spread on snow and ice by locals in Egton to aid motorists as they climb the hill.

Commuters travel in the wintery conditions on Thursday at the North Yorkshire Moorson

A model suggested that the snow could be concentrated in the south of England. The Atlantic low pressure system will influence the movement of snow.

A driver drove off a country road in Banbury, Oxon and ended up in a hedgerow suspended.

A Yorkshire farm is surrounded by snow on the North Yorkshire Moors today as the UK is reported to have been hit by Troll Trondheim

Today, Edinburgh was covered in snow and could get more this weekend

On Thursday, hundreds were forced to have cold breakfasts in the West Country because of a string electrical outages.

Electricity Board engineers were out in the bitter cold in Devon and Dorset, grappling with frozen cables and transformers as they battled to restore supplies to blacked-out homes.

Blackouts were experienced by more than 450 homes in Plymouth and nearly 250 in Bridport. Another 240 homes were affected at Bideford.

Following the cold snap, the government offered cold weather payments to those with low incomes to heat their homes.

A £25 Cold Weather Payment will be given out to eligible people in postcode areas including: Parts of Cumbria, North East and North West England, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry, Staffordshire and Brecon. 

When asked about the threat to blackouts, Oliver Dowden, Cabinet Office minister, said that the power networks would continue to work throughout winter “barring a very extraordinary circumstance”. 

Multiple weather warnings are in effect across the UK for the next few days

After salt had been left untreated, a Derbyshire driver crashed through a hedge.

After a light dusting, a person clears the path at Rosslyn Chapel, Edingburgh.

A commuter is helped to safety after falling on ice on London Bridge.

Traffic officers urged motorists not to speed up due to the icy conditions.

Devon’s officer stated that many autumn leaves still cover roads, especially in rural areas.

“The leaves are laid on the road surface like a carpet, and when it’s freezing they form an icy mush that is very slippery.

“Many drivers are going recklessly slow – a touch on the brakes and they could slip out of control.”

Incrediblely, the rail network linking Paddington and Thames Valley was in turmoil this morning because it got too hot.

Many commuters were warned that delays could occur after Great Western Railway closed some tracks due to a fire at the trackside.

The fire was first reported shortly following 7am. Several lines were then blocked, including Heathrow services.

A paddle boarder navigates through the sea mist as it rises above Avon Beach in Dorset.

Londoners face a cold commute to work today, as they cross London Bridge

Motorists woke up this week to find their cars covered in ice and slippery conditions.

One model suggested that snow would hit the south of England, then move north, bringing more “significant snow,” according to the Met Office.

Over the next few days, Met Office experts issued several weather warnings for snow and/or ice in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The forecaster extended Wednesday’s yellow warnings into Thursday or Friday. Ice is expected in northern England and the coast, as well as snow and ice in northern Scotland.

It said that some roads and railways may be affected by longer journey times.

It stated that slips and falls can occur in icy conditions and that there may be icy patches along untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths.

Friday will see more frost and cold in the UK, with most areas experiencing freezing temperatures in the morning.

 According to the Met Office, it will remain very cold on Saturday and Monday with wintry showers around the coasts. 

This morning, North Yorkshire saw snow and ice on the roads and greenery after the weather.

Scarborough had snow this morning as families opened their curtains.

When people woke up this morning, the Arctic snap they had predicted was well and truly here

London Bridge as the icy weather continues, but the sun has begun to rise this morning

Horses are trained in Epsom Downs, Surrey, at first light.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a Level 3 cold-weather alert for England, which will be in effect from Wednesday evening to Monday morning.

The RAC motor services company advised motorists to keep blankets in vehicles in case they were to be disabled by icy conditions.

Steve Willington, Met Office chief meteorologist, said that temperatures will plummet as an Arctic maritime mass settles across the UK. This will lead to widespread overnight frosts in some places and daytime temperatures just a few degrees below freezing.

“However the Arctic air will bring brighter conditions with some dry, sunnier spells, especially away from the coast, and where winds are light, it could feel pleasant to be in the sunlight.

Morning frost in Northolt caused ice to form on grass, pavements, and roads

One social media user claims that snow in Huntly (Scotland) – Train delays caused by a “frozen horn”

A worker removing snow from Tomintoul’s pavements, Scotland.

A car battles an icy A939 in Scotland as an Arctic chill sweeps Britain throughout this week

“Patchy freezing fog” is also possible.

“Showers will become more wintry and there will be an increase in snow risk as the week progresses, especially in coastal areas or higher elevations.

“There will be widespread freezing temperatures with temperatures falling to as low at minus 10C overnight in isolated places by the end the week.

Rod Dennis, a spokesperson for RAC said that temperatures are dropping this week and many drivers may be shocked by the cold after a mild autumn.

We recommend being winter ready. Check that your tyres are properly inflated with good tread. If necessary, you can also top up oil, coolant, or screen wash levels.

“Drivers with older batteries might want to give their car a 20-minute drive before the colder conditions arrive in order to ensure that the battery can withstand sub-zero temperatures.

“It’s worth carrying a fully charged phone and a blanket to keep warm in case of an emergency.

After about 2,000 homes in Stannington were left without gas over five days, resulting in severe weather and overnight temperatures, a major incident was declared in Sheffield.

More than 100 engineers were working to solve the problem caused by a burst main causing damage to a gas pipeline on Friday. This sent hundreds and thousands of litres into the gas network.

Fire chiefs warned that people who are too cozy in bed could be set on fire by the possibility of their electric blanket catching on fire.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue and Public Protection Partnership conducted free electric blanket testing in the community – and found alarming results.

A series of test sites were established in Theale and Newbury, Wokingham, Crowthorne, and only four of the 17 blankets brought in were declared safe.

The testers advised thirteen blanket owners that their blankets were unsafe and they should be thrown away.

Age UK recommended that people keep a supply of food, medicine, and other supplies to reduce the number outdoor trips and torch lighting.

London’s homeless will be sheltered following the activation of the severe weather protocol this winter. This protocol provides emergency accommodation for rough sleepers.

With temperatures expected to plummet, up to four inches of snow could fall this week at 650 feet. 

Forecasters warn that even at lower levels, mercury will drop and snow could fall up to 2 inches. 

The ‘Trolls of Trondheim’ batter Britain and create dangerous conditions on the A969, Scotland

Pictured is a gritter spreading salt along the M42 near Birmingham, as an Arctic blast is expected to batter Britain until Friday

A car struggles through snowy streets in Tomintoul, Cairngorms.

According to meteorologists, a strong northerly wind can also cause ‘drifting blizzard conditions’ in certain areas. 

Brian Gaze, a Weather Outlook forecaster, stated that temperatures could plummet to -5C or -10C in the south of Britain. However, in the Welsh valleys, temperatures may drop below 10C. Express.

Although the forecast details will be more uncertain next week than usual, some computer models show that low pressure is moving up from the southwest.

“It is not possible to show one scenario at the moment, but the likelihood of disruptive snow in Britain’s southern half will increase.” 

Jason Kelly, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, stated that next week will see wintry rains, mainly on the coasts, and frozen fog patches inland.

He explained, “An area of low tension may then threaten Southern and Southwest parts of the UK through midweek,” 

“Confidence in this system’s exact track is low, but should it push precipitation to the UK, then this would easily turn into snow, with a lower likelihood of freezing rain. 

“How far north the colder air goes is still uncertain. However, for now, many of the Arctic’s northern and central regions will remain in the Arctic airmass.  

Grahame Madge, Met Office spokesperson said that they are following the same pattern for at least seven consecutive days.

“We could see it continuing for a while longer but there is uncertainty in the evolution of how long it will last.

“However the pattern for the next seven day is that it will remain cold, and we will see double the minus figures overnight in areas prone to frosts as well as areas where there is lying white snow.

Mr Madge stated that wintry showers were possible during the cold spell, especially on higher ground and near the coast.

Colder air from north tends to be less moist than west, which means that there is less cloud cover and consequently lower overnight temperatures.

Madge stated that although it will be cold, it won’t be as severe as the ‘hard December 2010’.

The winter of 2012 saw record snowfall in Britain, and the average temperature throughout the month fell to -1C.