Sussex and Surrey weather: Is it going to snow again? Latest forecast as cold health alert extended

Heavy snow was followed by torrential rainfall over the weekend. Multiple flood alerts and warnings are in place as a result.

According to the Met Office, there will be a lack of respite as far as severe weather conditions are concerned.

A new yellow warning – in place from 9am until 11.59pm on Wednesday (January 8) – covers the entirety of Sussex and Surrey.

The Met Office warning states: “A weather system may push snow into some southern counties of England on Wednesday, which could then prove disruptive.

"There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

"There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off, most likely in upland areas.

"There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.”

More yellow warnings – which do not cover Sussex – are also in place for snow and ice from 5pm on Monday (January 6) until 10am on Tuesday. This states that icy stretches and sleet/snow showers will develop overnight, ‘bringing some disruption, especially to travel’.

A small part of Surrey is on the list of affected regions – but Sussex is among the few UK hotspots not covered by the warning.

Explaining what to expect in Sussex and Surrey on Wednesday, the Met Office warning read: “Whilst not all areas may be affected, outbreaks of snow may push in from the southwest during Wednesday, potentially giving some significant accumulations in places.

“Two to five centimetres of snow could accumulate fairly widely, and as much as 10 cm over higher ground, especially over east or northeast-facing slopes.

"Rain or sleet is more likely near coasts. Note that there is still a possibility that the weather system, and associated rain or snow, may remain further south across the English Channel.

"As precipitation clears eastwards and skies clear during Wednesday night, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.”

What to do if it does snow

The Met Office said snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and ‘make driving conditions dangerous’.

So to keep yourself and others safe: “Plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

"People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”

Meanwhile, an amber cold health alert has been extended – and is now in effect for the South East until 12pm on Sunday (January 12).

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first activated the alert on Wednesday, January 2 and it was initially expected to run until 12pm on Wednesday, January 8.

The UKHSA explained: “Forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including: A rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. We may also see impacts on younger age groups.

"A likely increase in demand for health services.

"Temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.

"Challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18oc leading to more risk to vulnerable people.

"Staffing issues die to external factors (such as travel delays).

"Other sectors starting to observe impacts (such as transport and energy).

"This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.”