Winter is coming! Met Office issues Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow and ice as 10cm is feared for northern parts of the UK

The Met Office has extended a severe weather warning of snow and ice for the UK after wintry conditions that were expected to largely affect northern parts of the country spread further south.

Yellow 'be aware' warnings will be in effect across parts of Britain from 4pm today until 10am on Tuesday.

Brits are being told to expect icy patches on the roads and, as the cold flurries continue, a risk of power cuts and disruption to bus and train services.

Up to 10cm of snow is expected overnight tonight in areas over 300 metres above sea level - which could double going into Tuesday while also amassing at lower levels, spelling potential trouble for commuters.

In addition, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Cold Health Alert for large swathes of England running from now until Thursday - putting NHS services on notice to expect greater demand.

The first alert affects the Scottish Highlands and parts of Aberdeenshire from 4pm today until 11am tomorrow.

A second alert for the Scottish Borders and much of northern England, as far down as Nottingham , as well as northern parts of Wales, runs from 7pm on Monday until 10am on Tuesday.

The latter alert had previously covered the Borders as well as north-western areas of England such as Lancashire and Cumbria.

Forecasters have warned Brits to check the forecast where they are before they travel, while experts are appealing to people to check in on vulnerable family and neighbours as the temperature dips to just above zero.

In some areas, the temperature at midday on Tuesday will be just 1C - dipping into the negative at night.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said today: 'We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.

'This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.

'Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.'

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said pre-existing medical conditions can be exacerbated by the cold snap and are particularly vulnerable to transport disruption.

She added: 'Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we'd urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support.

'A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell.'

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The extended waring comes amid fears gas and energy prices will remain high due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and other international factors.

Europe's gas market rose by as much as five per cent on Thursday to its highest price in a year amid fears of a halt in supplies from Russia and an increase in demand from Asia following recent summer heatwaves.

Austrian firm OMV warned of a 'potential halt of gas supply' from Russia after it was awarded €230m (£192m) from a ruling against Russian giant Gazprom, reported the Financial Times .

The UKHSA health agency has issued yellow alerts for health trusts in the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East.

'Forecast weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services,' it warns.

These may include an increased use of health services by the vulnerable, putting additional pressure on services, and a 'greater risk of life' to those with existing conditions or poor health.

Flood alerts are also in place along the coast at Roker in Sunderland, Hornsea and Bawdsey Quay near Felixstowe.