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​England Is Now Also On Red Alert As Storm Emma Descends

​England Is Now Also On Red Alert As Storm Emma Descends

The Met Office has said things are particularly bad because the snow is being accompanied by very strong easterly winds

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

After days of heavy snow and cold winds from the 'Beast From The East', it seems the situation's only worsening, with England and Wales now on a Red weather alert - the highest - as Storm Emma descends.

A red warning means that extreme weather is expected, and as such, risk to life is 'likely'.

"Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather," the Met Office website explains.

"Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely. You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities."

As England and Wales prepare for a battering, the Red alert also remains in place for Scotland, which was already on the warning as forecasters predicted a whopping 20 inches of snow was due to fall.

PA

Many areas of the Scotland were cut off from the rest of the UK, with high winds and heavy winter showers shutting down both brides on the A92.

The Met Office has said things are particularly bad because the snow is being accompanied by very strong easterly winds, leading to severe drifting.

"Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area," the Met Office says.

"Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely. Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers.

"Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice."

Rail and air travel will be disrupted for yet another day, with affected rail operators including c2c, CrossCountry, Northern, Greater Anglia and Stansted Express, Merseyrail, ScotRail, Southeastern, Southern, Virgin, Thameslink and Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, TfL Rail and London Overground.

The roads in Ireland have also been affected, with many routes completely blocked by the snow - leading to suspended bus routes and huge tailbacks of traffic.

Things have got so bad that a ski centre has had to close because there is too much snow.

"Centre currently closed as we have an inaccessible car park and we have to be able to have emergency vehicle access and staff are struggling to get to site," says the Facebook page for Chatham Ski Centre in Gillingham, Medway. "We are cancelling lessons for today and will reschedule."

Blimey. Wrap up warm kids.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Snow, Weather, UK News, Storm Emma