When Storm Goretti snow warning covering Leeds comes into force - everything you need to know

In a week that has seen temperatures plummet, black ice cause issues for pedestrians and motorists and a hospital temporarily close its doors in other parts of Yorkshire, Leeds is now bracing itself for a prolonged period of unsettled weather.

Amber warnings are in place for other parts of the country, including over areas such as Birmingham and Leicester, but in Leeds a yellow weather warning is currently issued, although this could change as the day progresses.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When does the snow warning come into place over Leeds?

The yellow weather warning for snow comes into place at 5pm on Thursday, January 8.

It is set to remain in place through the night when temperatures will once again plummet, and through Friday morning. As things stand, the warning expires at lunchtime on Friday, January 9.

What does Leeds’ weather warning say?

Experts at the Met Office issue guidance when it comes to the warnings they issue to help residents understand what is to be expected.

On their site, they say: “Storm Goretti is likely to bring heavy snow leading to disruption and difficult travelling conditions later Thursday and into Friday.”

They also list some possible outcomes that can be expected with the level of snowfall forecast.

These are:

• Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers
• Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel
• Some rural communities could become cut off
• Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

Are there any other details?

The Met Office often give wider context to their weather warnings.

On their site, they add: “Rain, associated with Storm Goretti, will spread northeastwards across the warning area through Thursday afternoon and evening, transitioning to snow fairly widely overnight and into Friday.

“Snow initially will begin to accumulate across hills in Wales and then increasingly to lower levels overnight.

“Whilst not all areas may see accumulating snow, accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely quite widely, with scope for 15-25 cm in places, especially on some hills above 200 metres elevation.

“There is a chance of 30 cm accumulating over high ground in Wales and/or the Peak District.

“There is some uncertainty over the exact track of Storm Goretti, which will influence the locations most likely to see disruptive snow.

“Amounts of snow will also depend quite heavily on both elevation and the intensity of precipitation, and as this becomes somewhat lighter into Friday this will lead to an awkward mix of rain, sleet and snow, gradually clearing away to the east.

“ Therefore there is likely to be a lot of variation, even over relatively short distances.

“The low pressure system has been named by Meteo France, as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.”

What is the forecast for the rest of the country?

Large swathes of the country will be under varying weather warnings over the coming days.

Amber warnings are in place overnight forecasting snowfall in the midlands, for areas such as Birmingham and Leicester, while a separate amber warning is also in place in the south west of the country, where high winds are expected overnight.

A yellow snow and ice warning covers the majority of Scotland while various other yellow snow and rain warnings cover large patches of the south of England.

You can visit the Met Office website here for all the latest updates, safety advice and foercasts.