UK weather warnings for snow and strong winds as house destroyed by falling tree

Wintry weather will affect most parts of the UK this weekend with snow already creating problems for motorists in Scotland and wind causing a tree to crash through a house in West Sussex.

A Met Office yellow warning for snow is in place until Saturday night for much of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North East.

Wind and rain are forecast for Wales with high winds expected on the south coast.

As much as 10cm of snow could fall on higher ground, according to forecasters.

Police Scotland issued a warning to motorists as road conditions worsened on Saturday morning.

The force said in a statement: “There is a yellow weather warning in place for many parts of the country today and many areas are waking up to wintry weather conditions.

“Take care on the roads and be prepared for your journey.”

Several cars were involved in an accident on the M77 southbound at the Maidenhill exit slip near Newton Mearns, Scotland, while part of the M8 was flooded at Paisley.

Met Office meteorologist Luke Miall said: “We’ve got quite a few weather warnings in place for today across the UK.

“In Scotland we are likely to see a good covering of snow above 200 metres or so where we could see 2cm to 6cm and perhaps as much as 10cm above 400 metres.

“It’s mainly higher ground but that will affect some of the routes that travel across the Highlands and central parts of Scotland.

“The other warning we have in force is for wind and that covers pretty much everywhere from the North West down through Wales and then southern counties of England including London.

“Here we will see some pretty strong winds through the day gusting 45mph to 55mph quite widely within that area.”

He added that exposed and coastal areas could see gusts as strong as 65mph.

A man had to be treated for a head injury after a large oak tree fell in strong winds through the roof and into the first floor of the home in Bewbush, near Crawley.

Fire crews also found the roof of a neighbouring house had been damaged when they were called to the scene at 8am on Saturday.

Five people were evacuated from the two properties and checked by paramedics for injuries, a fire service spokesman said.

Temperatures are expected to vary throughout the UK from around 12C to 13C in the South while some areas of Scotland will struggle to get above freezing.

The worst of the wintry weather is expected to be over by Saturday evening with a more settled picture for Sunday.

(c) Sky News 2019: UK weather warnings for snow and strong winds as house destroyed by falling tree