More snow to sweep across UK as Arctic blast hits

Desk Report: More snow is expected to sweep the country on Thursday as an Arctic blast continues to hit the UK.

Forecasters have predicted snow storms to hit large parts of central and northern England, with "strong winds bringing blizzard conditions".

An amber warning is in place of heavy snow causing significant disruption in an area stretching from Stoke-onTrent to Durham.

It comes as the UK recorded its coldest March temperature since 2010.

The Met Office's amber warning runs from 15:00 GMT on Thursday until midday on Friday,

About 10-20cm of snow is forecast to fall across the area affected, with 30-40cm in some places, accompanied by strong winds.

Snow has already caused disruption for some evening rush-hour commuters.

Less severe yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for much of the UK.

National Highways has warned drivers in the West Midlands and the east of England between 15:00 GMT and midnight on Wednesday to check ahead and plan for disruption. It has a similar severe weather alert for the North West, North East and Midlands between 09:00 GMT on Thursday and 08:00 GMT on Friday.

ScotRail says it aims to run a full service this week, but has advised passengers to check their

“I know from listening to my patients in my surgery that many people are worried about getting ill. If you are ill, deciding which support you might need, whether it be a GP appointment or overthe-counter medicine from a pharmacy, can be difficult. Using NHS 111 online first will ensure everyone who needs medical advice knows exactly what service is best for their symptoms.

“So, if you think you need care fast, but it’s not life-threatening, visit 111 online first. By answering just a few questions, it can direct you to the best treatment for you.”

New survey data showed that: journeys as disruption is possible. National Rail has also warned snowy and icy conditions could affect south-eastern services over the next few days.

The current warnings in place are:

An amber snow warning is in place for the Peak

District and Pennines from 15:00 Thursday until midday on Friday

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place across parts of Wales, and southern and central parts of England until 07:00 on Thursday

A yellow warning for snow and ice for the Scottish Highlands is in place until 10:00 on Thursday

Another yellow warning for snow and ice in the south east of Scotland, from Edinburgh down to Newcastle upon Tyne, is in place until 07:00 on Thursday

A yellow warning for just snow is in place from 07:00 on Thursday until 14:00 on Friday, taking in Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, central and northern England, and the Scottish central belt. On Wednesday, temperatures dropped to lows of -8C in the north of England.

Flights from Bristol Airport were earlier suspended due to the snowfall, with a number of routes cancelled.

In the north of Scotland, temperatures were set to stay below freezing throughout Wednesday.

In south Wales, more than 100 schools closed on Wednesday due to the snow. BBC Weather's Jennifer Bartram says the cold spell is due to a change in wind direction "with northerly winds bringing cold air down from the Arctic".

Desk Report: NHS 111 online connects you with medical advice quickly, conveniently, and with the same experts, you can expect to reach through the telephone service.

That’s the message being delivered by the NHS this year, with the service adding that you can get advice on selfcare, and even receive a call back from a nurse, doctor or other trained health professional if needed.

It’s available to everyone over the age of 5 and it can direct you to the most appropriate medical care for your needs in as little as 90 seconds, such as an urgent treatment centre, GP surgery, or pharmacy.

Dr Henna Anwar is one NHS GP promoting the service…

● Almost 2 in 5 people (39%) didn’t know that NHS 111 online can assess and direct you to the right care in as little as 90 seconds.

● A third of people (33%) didn’t know NHS 111 online could direct you to A&E

● More than half (57%) didn’t know that NHS 111 online could direct you to a pharmacist.

NHS 111 online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Go to 111.nhs. uk to get assessed and directed to the right healthcare in your area a call back from a nurse, doctor, or paramedic advice on self-care

Dr Henna says, “Knowing that NHS expertise is accessible online hopefully brings reassurance to many people.”