Warning of snow and ice issued for Northumberland

The yellow warning (be aware) reads: 'A band of rain, sleet and hill snow is expected to cross Northern Ireland on Thursday afternoon, moving into northern England, north Wales and parts of southern Scotland during Thursday evening and night.

'Snow is not currently expected to be disruptive at low levels in most areas, although small amounts are likely in places and ice may prove a hazard on untreated surfaces. However, snow is expected to settle on high ground above 200 metres. Please be aware of the likelihood of difficult driving conditions and some travel disruption'.

It adds: 'During Friday, the band of rain, sleet and snow will slowly edge southwards with the risk of further accumulating snow steadily retreating towards higher elevations'.

The chief forecaster's assessment explains: 'The main risk of accumulating snow is during Thursday night and Friday on high ground of northern England and north Wales above around 200m, where two to five cm is expected. Above 300m, 10cm or more is likely to accumulate, with some drifting possible in the strong winds which develop around the periphery of the low pressure centre'.