HERE WE SNOW

Amber alerts kick in tonight as the country is hit by a bitter arctic blast | Health bosses warn cold snap will put vulnerable people in real danger

- NADA FARHOUD

A BITTER arctic chill will bring heavy snow, ice and freezing rain to most areas this weekend.

The Met Office has issued two new amber weather warnings for snow and ice for parts of England and Wales, kicking in tonight.

A warning for snow and freezing rain covering most of Wales and central England is in place from 6pm today to midday on Sunday.

The second warning for snow, covering most of northern England, has been issued from 9pm today to midnight tomorrow. Up to 30cm of snowfall is expected in the warning areas, with 3 to 7cm in other areas.

Travel delays are possible along with a "small chance" of power cuts and injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, forecasters said.

UK Health Security Agency cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.

The agency issued amber health alerts on Thursday and they will run until January 8, meaning a rise in deaths due to the weather is likely.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions.

"It is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.