Snow set to disrupt travel and cause power cuts

Meteorologists have warned of potential travel disruption and power cuts

An amber warning for snow across the Midlands this weekend has been issued by the Met Office, with the threat of travel disruption and power cuts.

It said there was a "good chance" electricity will be cut off, and drivers could become stranded in their vehicles.

The amber alert - the middle of three threat levels - means increased potential risk and severity compared to a lower yellow warning already in place.

The warning will run from 18:00 GMT on Saturday to 12:00 on Sunday, the Met Office confirmed.

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The warning extends from close to the Welsh coast in the west, right across the Midlands to parts of Rutland and Northamptonshire.

A similar warning is in place further north, taking effect later on Saturday evening.

The amber warning issued on Friday covers most of central England and Wales

The Met Office said it was "safer not to drive" in snowy conditions, but those motorists who had set out should heed these recommendations:

• Using dipped headlights

• Accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible

• Starting in second gear to help with wheel slip

• Maintaining a safe and steady speed, keeping distance from other vehicles

• Using a low gear to go downhill, avoiding braking unless necessary

• Steering into skids, not taking hands of the wheel, and avoiding slamming on brakes

It added householders could take precautions in advance to prepare for power cuts, including gathering torches, batteries and mobile phone power packs.

BBC weather presenter Simon King said: "Whilst there is some uncertainty in details, 3-7cm of snow is likely, with locally 15-30cm for the higher ground of Wales and southern Pennines.

"Freezing rain – where rain falls onto surfaces below zero degrees and instantly freezes – will bring the extra hazard of icy surfaces.

"Milder air will then lead to a rapid thaw of snow and ice in south Wales and the Midlands during Sunday."