Weather: Met Office issues snow and ice warnings as parts of UK told to prepare for 'hazardous conditions'

Yellow weather warnings have been issued with snow falling in parts of the UK and ice forecast which could lead to "hazardous conditions".

The Met Office has said roads and railways are likely to be affected, with the warnings issued until Thursday morning which cover parts of Scotland and northeast England.

Snow has already fallen in northern England with North Yorkshire Police on Wednesday warning motorists of road closures "because of snow and ice".

The A169 is currently closed at White Way Heads/Saltergate Moor, the force said, urging drivers travelling between Pickering and Whitby to use an alternative route.

Coatham Coaches said staff had been out early between Guisborough and Whitby and the main moor road "is passable", but warned people to take care.

"Only snow seems to be on higher ground but we'll assess all routes the best we can as our school/college coaches start their day."

This is The Coast radio station serving Scarborough, Filey, Whitby and Bridlington said callers were reporting "treacherous" driving conditions this morning.

People living in the affected areas have been advised to expect showers that will likely see ice form on untreated surfaces, which may make some roads and pathways hazardous and slippery.

Forecasters have warned:

• Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
• Some injuries may occur from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• Some icy patches may be on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, north-east England, Orkney and Shetland, south-west Scotland, Lothian Borders and Yorkshire and Humber are some of the affected regions.

A separate yellow warning for ice is in place this morning until 10am for parts of the north of Northern Ireland.

The Met Office said: "Snow will begin to accumulate, especially away from windward coasts, with 1-3cm possible. Higher routes of northeast Scotland may see up to 5cm of snow accumulate."

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver warned of an uncertain weather period on Thursday and Friday for the southern half of England and Wales.

"The weather models are highlighting several possible solutions from very wet to mainly dry," he said.

"However... we could see an area of warmer and moisture-laden air 'bumping' into the cold air further north. Along the boundary of the two air masses lies a zone across southern and central Britain where snowfall could develop fairly widely."

He added: "Snow in any affected area is unlikely to be anything more than transient and short-lived, but it could lead to small totals and some disruption over a few hours before melting."

Daytime temperatures are expected to drop to cold, single-digit figures this week, with it expected to stay below freezing for large parts of England and Scotland through the night.

The Met Office has also issued advice for how people can stay safe in icy conditions - urging people to check on elderly relatives or neighbours who might need support.

Motorists have been told to avoid driving in icy conditions wherever possible. If driving is unavoidable, they are advised to look well ahead for potential hazards and keep their speed to a minimum.

People who are walking or cycling are advised to leave the house five minutes earlier than normal and to try and avoid slippery surfaces.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings of its own, with yellow and amber cold-health alerts for northern regions of England until 5 December.