Weather warnings to be lifted after wintry start to weekend

Weather warnings across the country are due to be lifted as testing conditions make way for a more settled end to the week.

Saturday has seen a mixture of snow, heavy rainfall and gusty winds in various parts of the UK, with some areas being affected by flooding.

Capel Curig in Caernarfonshire, Wales, was one of the worst-hit areas, seeing some 136.6mm of rain in the space of just 24 hours, which, according to forecasters, is the equivalent of a month’s worth.

Flooding across parts of the rail network forced Northern to part-suspend services on several of its routes in Yorkshire and the North West.

On Saturday night, the Environment Agency had as many as 60 flood warnings in place, mostly across the North West.

The body said: “Persistent heavy rain this weekend means that river levels are high and flooding is expected in some areas. Our teams are out on the ground operating flood defences and installing temporary flood barriers to keep communities safe.”

In Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, fire engines were having to pump flood water away in order to protect properties, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

As much as 4cm (1.57in) of snow fell on the higher ground in Scotland at the start of the weekend, while other northern parts of the UK were hit by wintry showers, including parts of Northumberland.

Strong winds continued to take hold on Saturday, with 73mph gusts were recorded in Lake Vyrnwy, Wales.

Spring weather Mar 16th 2019
Spring weather Mar 16th 2019

Meanwhile, in Bewbush, near Crawley, a man had to be treated for a head injury after a large oak tree was blown onto his home.

But weather conditions are expected to ease on Sunday, with Met Office warnings due to lift overnight.

Yellow warnings for snow in the high Scottish ground will lift at around 9pm, as will yellow warnings for strong winds across southern parts of the UK.

A warning for rain across the country is also due to expire at midnight.

A much #colder night to come across the south tonight, then a widespread #frost to start the new week pic.twitter.com/ZtfD5X6MZs

— Met Office (@metoffice) March 16, 2019

Discussing what is to come for the rest of the weekend, Met Office meteorologist Luke Miall said a spell of sunshine and showers was to be expected across the country, with some northern areas waking up to ice.

He said: “We are expecting it to be cold throughout much of Sunday, with temperatures generally sitting around 6C to 8C, possibly rising to 10C – but generally below what we would normally anticipate for this time of year.

“On Monday, it’s due to be a period of high pressure, with a dry and sunny start and the possibility of some frost.”

Mr Miall said that it will mostly stay dry in the south during next week, with winds easing in the north.

He added: “Towards the end of the week we may even see temperatures rising, perhaps towards the high teens in some southern areas.”

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