Weather – latest: Amber snow warnings for much of UK with up to 40cm forecast as temperatures fall to -7.4C

An amber warning for snow and freezing rain to cover most of Wales and central England, including the Midlands and the north-west cities of Liverpool and Manchester, is in place from 6pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday, the Met Office said.

A second snow warning, covering much of northern England including Leeds, Sheffield and the Lake District, was issued from 9pm on Saturday until midnight on Sunday.

Widespread snowfall of 3 to 7 cm can be expected in both warning areas, while the snow could mix with rain at times in lower areas, the forecaster said.

Two more yellow ice warnings are also in place for most of the UK.

All Stagecoach bus services were canceled in Orkney after the bus left the road near Brig O’ Waithe, the BBC said, while the Far North rail line remained closed for 80 miles between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh due to flooding and landslides.

National Rail is advising people to check their “entire journey” before heading out in the coming days, as National Highways “strongly” advised people that journeys are “likely to be extended or even disrupted”. The government agency responsible for managing England’s motorways says snowfall is over England. the weekend will turn into rain in some places, and ice in others. Regions of high ground – such as the Cotswolds and Peak District are at greater risk of this, it added. National Highways says road users should plan ahead and check The Met Office weather forecasts and traffic information from Traffic England before departure or delay of travel. More delays and cancellations of bus, rail and air travel are also likely. Northern and ScotRail services are currently affected, while bus replacement services are running between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Health Minister Wes Streeting said on Friday it was a “layer-up and warm-up weekend” because of the cold conditions.

“We’re heading into a cold spell this weekend and I know there’s a lot of concern, not only among charity leaders, but also among NHS and social care leaders, about the particular risks and vulnerabilities this weekend as temperatures drop, both in terms of the risk of accident and injury , but also the risk of the cold itself,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“This is the weekend to wrap up and keep warm, to take reasonable precautions around going out.”

Some football matches have already been called off this weekend, including Cheltenham’s clash with League Two leaders Walsall due on Saturday, Halifax’s National League home game against Fylde also scheduled for Saturday, and Friday night’s Scottish Championship game between leaders Airdrie Falkirk.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s race meeting in Newcastle has been abandoned as the track is frozen.

Large parts of the country will face disruption from heavy snow and freezing rain over the weekend after forecasters issued two weather warnings.

Stranded vehicles on the roads, delayed or canceled rail and air services and power cuts are likely as the UK battles a week of wintry conditions, The Met Office he said.

There is also a “good chance” that rural communities could be cut off by the conditions, with up to 30cm of snow expected locally.

“There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but particularly Wales, increasing the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places,” Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said.

Temperatures of -10C could be seen in parts of rural Scotland on Friday night, according to new forecasts from the Met Office.

The lowest temperature recorded in January last year was -14C, at Dalwhinnie in the Highlands.

Milder air will briefly affect some southern areas over the weekend before a new northerly flow brings cooler conditions back across the UK next week, the Met Office said.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Dan Holley said temperatures will remain below average, with some areas struggling to get above freezing for several days.

Additional weather warnings could be issued early next week.

Health warnings from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) about cold weather for the whole of England remain in place ahead of a week of freezing temperatures.

Amber alerts were issued on Thursday and will last until January 8, meaning an increase in the number of deaths is likely, the agency said.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health at UKHSA, said: “The predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbors who are most at risk.

“These people could be at greater risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infections as a result of the cold temperatures.”