by Marcus Dubois and Chris Malone
Those planning a winter caravan break in the next fortnight are strongly advised to check road conditions and weather forecasts after recent predictions. Experts believe arctic winds could bring the worst November snow to London and the South-East this weekend, with up to two weeks of extreme weather ahead.
Major parts of the East of England were covered in up to six inches of snow yesterday, while snow showers reached many areas of Scotland and northern England earlier this week.
The Met Office has forecast heavy snow in Wales and icy roads in the south-west of England in the next 24 hours while heavy snow is also forecast over the weekend for England’s entire East Coast region. In addition Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to see extreme weather conditions.
Caravanners are warned to avoid unnecessary journeys if their area has been affected. According to the Daily Mail, the AA was called to around 14,000 breakdowns yesterday – a 50 per cent increase on a normal November working day.
Severe weather warnings are already in place for snow across parts of northern England and Scotland, and up to 5cm of snow was expected inland yesterday. Experts had predicted up to 20cm possible on the North York Moors and Grampian Mountains by the end of today.
“There is no doubt that the UK will see much colder conditions by the end of the week,” said Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page.
“Snow will also be a risk for many, and the public are advised to stay up to date with the forecast to make sure they have the latest information.”
Scotland experienced its snowiest winter in years in 2009-10, with enough snow on the Cairngorm mountain range to allow people to ski right into the summer months.
