Snow warning as big freeze is forecast for next week

The cold spell that’s been dubbed “The Beast from the East” looks set to bring below freezing temperatures and snow to the area next week.

The Met Office has issued snow warnings that cover South Holland for both Monday and Tuesday (February 26 and 27) next week as a cold front from Siberia is forecast to bring around five days where it will feel even colder than it does today (Friday, February 23).

It’s still uncertain as to how much snow the area could receive, but the warning covers between 4pm Monday to 23.55pm on Tuesday. Forecaster have warned there could be the possibility of more snow later on what is being called the coldest week of the winter despite next Thursday (March 1) what meteorologists class as the start of spring.

Met Office snow warning map. The area Spalding is highlighted in is where the warning is for both Monday and Tuesday. The highlighted area that’s just north of Spalding and stretching up the east coast is for Tuesday only.

The warning states: “Snow showers may become persistent from late Monday afternoon, continuing overnight and throughout Tuesday.

“There is the potential for travel delays on roads, stranding some 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.”

Lincolnshire County Council said in a statement it’s preparing for a cold spell that “is likely to run through to the middle of March”.

Coun Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said:

“Temperatures are expected to fall rapidly, and, in some cases, will be in double minus figure at night. During the day, temperatures will struggle to rise above 0 and in the wind will feel like -4 or -5.

“There is also a risk of snow coming in from the east, although the forecast is uncertain. Where snow falls it will not thaw due to low temperatures and will settle quickly. The snow will be dry and powdery – unlike the usual wet snow we get. It will be easier to plough but prone to drift in the wind.

“As always, our winter maintenance team is monitoring the weather around the clock, and our gritters are on call 24/7 so they are ready to hit the road whenever they are needed.

“However, please be aware that once temperatures drop below -7 salt become less effective, so even treated routes may be hazardous.

“Please be assured that we will do all we can to manage the disruption.”