Met Office (National): Widespread ice poses hazard for the weekend

The Met Office is warning that widespread ice is likely across many parts of the UK through the weekend, resulting in dangerous conditions on roads and pavements.

During Friday and Saturday, a wintry mix of rain and sleet is expected to cross the country from the west, with the chance of further snow for a time almost anywhere. This rain, sleet or snow is likely to fall onto frozen surfaces causing widespread ice to form, especially in Northern Ireland, Wales, and many parts of central and southern Britain. The risk of widespread ice persists throughout the weekend and into the coming week.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington said: “The UK is experiencing some exceptionally cold conditions at the moment, breaking local minimum temperatures records across the country last night. The mix of freezing temperatures, rain and sleet brings a significant risk of ice on roads and pavements leading to dangerous conditions out and about.”

Dan Suri, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster talks more about the current weather on youtube at 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMGzSY0RNdk

The Met Office works closely with others to help alert vulnerable people to the risks of the cold. Director at Age UK, Michelle Mitchell said, "Older people are much more susceptible to injury if they fall, and in icy weather it’s important to be really careful and assess whether you really need to make a journey. We'd also encourage people to check on their older neighbours."

Stay up to date with the very latest weather forecasts and warnings at:http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html

You may also be interested in: 
Advice on staying warm and well in cold weather
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/KeepingSafeAtHome/DG_10027755
More on our health services:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/health
Advice on travelling:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html

Notes to editors

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Contacts

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