Home » TRAVEL ALERT » United Kingdom Faces Major Travel Disruptions As Snow And Ice Sweep Across North East With Travel Alert In Effect For Safety And Delays
Published on
November 18, 2025
As a severe cold snap hits the United Kingdom, the Met Office has issued a travel alert for the North East, warning of significant disruptions due to heavy snow and icy conditions. The weather system is expected to bring up to five centimeters of snow in lower regions and up to 20 centimeters in higher areas, coupled with dangerously low temperatures and strong winds. With the cold temperatures and icy surfaces, the region faces risks of accidents, power outages, and severe travel delays, making it crucial for travelers to be cautious and prepared for potential disruptions over the next couple of days. This warning highlights the need for safety measures as snow showers continue to affect major routes and daily activities.
A significant cold snap is sweeping across the North East, with snow and ice warnings in place as temperatures continue to plummet. The Met Office has issued a weather alert from 6 am Wednesday, November 19, to 6 pm Thursday, November 20, forecasting snow showers moving inland from the North Sea. In Newcastle, up to five centimeters of snow are expected, while higher regions could see as much as 15 to 20 centimeters of snow accumulating above 300 meters.
Along with snow, freezing conditions are set to grip the region, creating icy surfaces that could lead to accidents, power outages, and major disruptions in travel. The weather is expected to feel much colder than usual for this time of year, with wind chills further exacerbating the cold.
Wednesday Forecast:
6 am: Temperatures are predicted to be 2°C, with a 90% chance of rain or snow. Light winds are expected to start the day.7 am: The temperature drops to 1°C, but with wind chill, it will feel like -4°C. Snow or rain continues with a 90% chance of precipitation.8 am to 10 am: The temperature remains around 1°C, with snow showers likely, accompanied by a persistent wind chill below freezing. By 10 am, wind gusts will pick up, reaching speeds of up to 34 mph.11 am: A slight rise to 2°C, but snow or rain persists with an 80% chance.1 pm to 3 pm: The temperature holds steady at 2°C, but it will feel colder due to a wind chill of -3°C. Snow or rain chance fluctuates between 50% and 60%.5 pm: Temperatures will drop back to 1°C, and with wind gusts of up to 31 mph, it will feel like -4°C.7 pm to 10 pm: The temperature holds steady at 0°C, but it will feel much colder with wind chill, possibly dipping to -5°C. Snow or rain will continue with a 50-60% chance of precipitation.11 pm: Snow or rain continues with temperatures remaining at 0°C and gusty winds at 31 mph.
Thursday Forecast:
12 am to 6 am: Snow or rain is expected to continue overnight, with temperatures hovering around 0°C and wind gusts reaching 32 mph. By 6 am, the chance of snow increases to 80%.7 am: The temperature rises slightly to 1°C, but it will feel like -3°C with a 90% chance of snow or rain.8 am to 11 am: Temperatures will remain at 1°C, but wind chill will keep conditions feeling below freezing. Snow or rain remains highly probable, with a 80-90% chance.12 pm to 5 pm: The temperature will stabilize at 2°C, though it will still feel colder due to wind chill. Snow and rain will continue, with a 70-80% chance of precipitation throughout the afternoon.6 pm: The weather warning will conclude with temperatures expected to rise slightly to 1°C. However, it will still feel like -3°C with a 70% chance of snow or rain.
A severe cold snap is gripping the United Kingdom, prompting a travel alert for the North East as snow and ice bring significant disruptions. With up to 20 centimeters of snow expected in higher areas, travelers are advised to prepare for dangerous conditions, travel delays, and potential safety risks.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill emphasized that the temperature this week would be “markedly colder” compared to the previous week, signaling a significant drop in temperatures across the region. With the combination of snow and freezing conditions, people in the North East are advised to remain cautious, particularly on icy roads and walkways, and to plan for potential travel delays.
