The UK Met Office said a sudden cold spell would sweep across the country, with large areas facing snowfall.
ADVERTISEMENTA three-day weather warning was issued in the UK on Thursday as parts of the country faced ice and snow in a cold snap in the first week of the New Year.
Yellow weather warnings were put in place for north-east Scotland, north-west England and Northern Ireland, with people in those areas told to expect icy conditions and travel delays.
Most of England, southern Scotland and all of Wales have been told to brace for snow from Saturday into Monday morning.
Areas in the north of England could see between 5 and 30cm of snow, local media reported, with travel delays and power cuts likely in affected regions.
The warning comes after parts of the UK were flooded on Wednesday as heavy rain and strong winds continued to disrupt New Year celebrations.
Several communities in the Manchester area were flooded, with several houses evacuated and cars submerged up to their roofs on roads and car parks after nearly a month’s worth of rain fell in two days.
A major incident has been declared and mountain rescue teams have been called in to help firefighters respond to flooded properties and stuck vehicles, Greater Manchester Police said.
Rivers were flooded in Stockport and local flood officers warned that additional measures may need to be taken.
Flood warnings were issued at one point for more than 150 communities across the UK, most of them in northern England.
