Gloucestershire is bracing for snow and icy conditions as a severe weather warning has been issued across the county. The Cotswolds, known for their hilly terrain, are forecast to receive the heaviest snowfall, while other areas can expect rain, hail, and slick roads.
The Met Office has placed Gloucestershire under an ice warning from midnight until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19. Rain will move southward Tuesday night into early Wednesday, turning to snow on higher ground before clearing later in the morning. As temperatures drop to around or below freezing overnight, untreated surfaces will become hazardous due to ice patches.
Snowfall is anticipated to begin around 4 a.m. in towns such as Ledbury, with nearby Herefordshire locations like Leominster also expected to see flakes by 4:30 a.m. A large storm system bringing rain, hail, and snow will intensify as it moves into the Cotswolds, covering Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Cheltenham, and Stroud. Temperatures overnight will hover near 1°C before the snow tapers off by 6 a.m., leaving only scattered patches in higher elevations.
READ MORE: Performing Arts Stock Left Behind at Old Gloucester Library, Impacting Local Volunteers
READ MORE: Community Calls for Students to Help Name New Special School Amid Concerns over Proposed Title
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree warned that the coldest days of the week will be Wednesday through Friday, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C in some areas and a strong northerly wind causing further chill. Along with snow in Gloucestershire, wintry showers and accumulations of 2-5 cm are expected in parts of Northern Ireland, northeast England, and Scotland. Some higher altitude areas could see much deeper snow.
Residents in the impacted areas should prepare for icy roads and hazardous travel conditions. With the potential for worsening weather as the cold snap continues, keeping abreast of local forecasts and warnings is essential for safety.