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The UK is expected to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruptions on Thursday, forecasters have warned. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for "strong winds bringing blizzard conditions" and up to 40cm of snow in the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham. Wednesday night is expected to be cold, with temperatures around -1C in the south east of England and as low as -13C in the north of Scotland.
While on Thursday there will be occasional rain in the south of England, turning to snow as it spreads from the north to the center of the UK.
Before Friday, the Met Office predicts snow will clear in eastern England, although gusts are expected to persist in northern Scotland.
The orange weather warning lasts for 21 hours from 3 p.m. Thursday, with "significant disruption" to transportation, power lines and phone network coverage likely.
Several milder yellow weather warnings for snow were also issued, covering much of the country from Wednesday through Friday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed all areas of England under a Level 3 cold weather alert, which will last until midnight on Thursday.
UKHSA consultant Agostinho Sousa said the cold could have a "serious impact" on people's health, especially the elderly, while Age UK urged people to check with neighbors and elderly parents.
National Highways has warned drivers in the West Midlands and East of England not to travel unless their journey is essential.
RAC Breakdown said there had been "an increase in breakdowns" in an area stretching west from London along the M4 corridor and into Wales.
RAC's Rod Dennis said: "We continue to closely monitor the weather situation, but with more snowfall expected in the coming days, there is still a risk of significant travel disruptions."
“Even a bit of snow and ice can make the roads dangerous, so we advise anyone undertaking to proceed with extreme caution.
"We are also aware that there will be a large number of new drivers who may not have experienced snow on the roads before, so we urge you to be very careful and drive well within the speed limit to give yourself enough time to react." if the vehicle in front encounters difficulties.
Mr. Dennis advised motorists to prepare for their journey by packing warm clothing and blankets, sturdy shoes, food and drink, and a mobile phone charger.
A yellow warning from the Met Office for snow and ice covers the north of Scotland until 10 a.m. Thursday, as well as the central and southern parts of England and Wales from midnight to 7 a.m.
Another yellow warning for snow and ice covers the north east of England and south east Scotland from 5pm Wednesday to 7am Thursday.
A fourth yellow snow warning covers the whole of the UK north of Birmingham, from 7am Thursday to 2pm Friday.
PA wire
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