Met Office ups severe weather warning to amber

Published: 11:07, 28 February 2018

PIC BY GEOFF ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY 07976 880732. Picture shows people punting on the River Cam in Cambridge in a blizzard on Monday afternoon (Feb 26th) as the Beast from the East arrives.Tourists wrapped up warm as they went punting in a BLIZZARD in Cambridge this afternoon (Mon).Many huddled under blankets as they took to the water and punted along the historic university Backs in a snow storm.The university buildings, including Kings College, were given a white coating as snow fell steadily in the city throughout the afternoon.Much of the UK has seen snow showers today, according to the Met Office, with the showers expected to get heavier as the day goes on. Temperatures have hovered around freezing, with a bitterly cold eastern wind making it feel even colder.Further snow showers are expected tonight, with heavy and persistent snow arriving into Scotland and northern England later.

Roads and rail around Cambridge are open, but running slow.

A warning of frequent heavy snow showers has been issued by the Met Office, stretching north of Cambridge from Chesterfield to Norwich.

Amber alerts are expected to stay in place until Friday, moving south west. Cambridge is now under a yellow warning which is expected to stay in place until Saturday.

The Met Office says: “Heavy snow showers are expected during today. There is the potential for travel delays on roads, with some stranded vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

“Some rural communities could become cut off. Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.”

Up to 4cm snowfall is predicted.

Trains are now running after cancellations early this morning, although there are delays to some trains between Cambridge North and Londond Liverpool Street, and Cambridge and Norwich.

Cambridge Ben Comber