Severe weather warning includes Swale

Snow expected for Swale as Met Office issues “Severe Weather Warning”

The Met Office, this afternoon have upgraded the weather warning for Kent to “Severe” in anticipation of the predicted “big freeze” due early next week.

The so called “beast from the East” is currently making its way to the UK, and a yellow “Be Aware” warning covering Kent including Sheppey & Sittingbourne has been brought forward to 4am on Monday.

The warning has been put in force as the weather could cause more disruption across the county than previously thought.

The Met Office says snow showers on Monday morning will lead to longer journey times on some roads and railways.

During the afternoon and evening the snow is expected to become more persistent and widespread, with the potential for vehicles to become stranded, train and plane cancellations and power cuts.

Between 5-10cm of snow is expected to fall in places.

On Tuesday an amber warning “be prepared” weather warning is in place, with most of the snowfall, accompanied by plunging temperatures, expected to fall in the morning.

Strong winds and heavy snow are then expected to last into Wednesday and Thursday, where a yellow weather warning is in place. On those days up to 15cm could fall, experts say.

Trains

Southeastern trains is advising passengers to check, before they travel.

A spokesperson for Southeastern said: “We are working closely with Network Rail to keep the rail network open, and will be running a full service on Monday morning.

“With heavier snow expected from 6pm on Monday, services may be disrupted.”

Swale Borough Council

Swale Borough Council has put in force their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), to help those who have no where to sleep tonight and throughout the week. The protocol is put in place when temperatures are set to drop below zero for 3 or more nights consecutively.

Anyone in need of this support can call 01795 417485 within office hours or come into council offices at Swale House, Sittingbourne.

Outside office hours, please call 01634 304400.

Regular Updates

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Weather Forecast:

Monday: Scattered snow showers, will be interspersed with some bright or sunny intervals. It will feel very cold with a brisk and bitter easterly breeze. Maximum temperature 2 °C.

Outlook for Tuesday – Thursday: Bitterly cold, becoming windy with penetrating night frosts. Occasional heavy snow showers in the east giving locally significant accumulations on Tuesday, less frequent Wednesday. Perhaps heavy snow later on Thursday.