A travel warning has been issued as bitter cold and icy weather hits the UK.

Your support helps us tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is where the stories are unfolding. Whether we're investigating the finances of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing 'The A Word,' the latest documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to analyze the facts. Messaging.

At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the field. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across politics. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans' reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, and those who can afford it should pay for it.

Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead More

Britons eager to return home after the New Year have been warned to expect chaos as snowy and icy weather hits the country and temperatures drop to -8C.

As the UK heads into 2025, the cold spell is expected to last for a week and the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather health alert for the entire UK until January 8, meaning deaths are likely to rise.

The Met Office has also issued a weather warning for snow and ice in parts of Scotland, England and Northern Ireland for the next five days and warned of possible travel disruptions from 4pm on Thursday.

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: There will be widespread frost across the country from Lands End to John OGroats tonight. Temperatures will be comfortably lower than we should be at this time of year, with temperatures expected to reach -8C in parts of Scotland.

Mr Stroud said warmer weather was expected by the end of this week, with colder weather expected to return early next week.

He said: The second half of the weekend should be either high singles or low doubles. But temperatures will drop again next week, especially Monday and Tuesday. Things should start to improve by the end of this week. But until then, there's a lot of water to go under the bridge.

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, said the government's decision to restrict winter fuel allowances to only the poorest pensioners would bring drastic relief from the cold spell. The charity has already been contacted by older people worried about what to do when this moment comes, she said.

Mr Abrahams said: We urge older people to do everything they can to stay warm, even if it means risking spending more on heating bills than they think they can afford. Your energy company has a duty to help you if you are struggling, and your local council may also be able to help you.

For those planning to travel despite the current winter weather, the Met Office and National Railway have issued warnings warning Britons to plan ahead.

Difficult driving conditions are expected, especially in areas where a yellow weather warning has been issued. It is also advisable to allow additional time as circumstances may arise that may result in delays, diversions or disruptions to road users.

Open image from gallery

Snow fell on the ground in the west end of Aberdeen on Thursday (Beth Edmonston/PA Wire)

Passengers using public transportation are advised to check timetables and services before departure in case of delays or cancellations due to inclement weather.

According to National Rail, the bad weather will affect trains operating across England, along with northern services, TransPennine Express services, Transport for Wales services and ScotRail services.

On Thursday, services were suspended on two major Scottish rail lines – the Highlands Main Line and the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick, and Cockbridge in Aberdeenshire – after heavy rain caused landslides and flooding. The A939 between Tomintol is closed due to snow.

It comes after many people in Greater Manchester woke up to massive flooding on New Year's Day, with police declaring a major incident as people were forced to evacuate.

Police said about 450 people had been evacuated from the Didsbury hotel on Wednesday evening and that 400 homes were at low risk as no mass evacuation was needed.

Open image from gallery

About 450 people were evacuated from Didsbury Hotel on Wednesday evening (Reuters).

As of Thursday night, the Environment Agency had issued seven flood warnings in areas where flooding is expected – mainly Yorkshire and Shropshire – and 37 minor flood warnings in areas where flooding is possible.

Open image from gallery

A yellow snow warning is in effect until Monday morning (Method Office)

England and Wales will see the brunt of the wintry weather over Saturday and Sunday. The Met Office warned of the possibility of power outages, communities being cut off, some vehicles stranded and rail disruptions possible. Air travel is also possible.

Around 5cm of snow is expected to fall across the Midlands, Wales and northern England, with up to 20-30cm expected to fall in the highlands of Wales and/or the Pennines, forecasters added.

The final warning, in force until midday on Monday, warns of snow across much of Scotland, bringing a similar risk to that seen in the south over the weekend.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos