UK NEWS

BRITAIN BRACED FOR HEAVY SNOW

Britain is set to be covered in snow

Wednesday January 2,2008

By Julia White for express.co.uk

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BRITAIN is tonight braced for heavy snowfall as strong easterly winds sent temperatures tumbling.

The Met Office issued a weather warning covering almost the entire country with forecasters predicting blizzards of up to 10-15cm in Scotland by tomorrow night.

Marco Petagna, of MeteoGroup, said south east England and South Wales were likely to get 1-2cm of snow tomorrow, with areas of high ground such as the Chilterns and Cotswolds getting up to 5cm.

He added: “The snow will reach Scotland later in the day and there could be 10-15cm on high ground north of the border.”

“Temperatures are going to be around 1-4C but it will seem colder as there will be a biting east wind."

Cloud is sweeping in from the east

The Highways Agency has warned drivers to take care on the roads and pack extra clothing in case of breakdowns.

An agency spokesman said it had its winter fleet on standby to treat roads.

He said: “Drivers are advised to check the forecast and road conditions, to leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.”

Local council gritters are standing by to counter the widespread frosts that are likely to hit most areas early tomorrow.

But the first cold snap of the New Year is likely to be short-lived, with temperatures rising again by the end of the week.

In southern England it will be as warm as 8C by Friday.