A severe weather warning for heavy snow has been upgraded for the Burnham-On-Sea area this Thursday and Friday as the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ continues to make its impact felt.
These are the scenes on Burnham-On-Sea beach today (Wednesday) as a long line of ice and slush has been left along the high tide line amid freezing temperatures that sunk to -5C early this morning.
The Met Office has raised its weather warning to amber for heavy snow and ice between 2pm on Thursday 1st March and 8am on Friday for the whole of the Burnham-On-Sea area. A separate yellow warning is also in force for wind and snow from 9am on Thursday.
A Met Office spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There is the potential for a spell of snow, moving northwards on Thursday, to intensify and become heavy on Thursday afternoon/evening as it spreads north.”
“As it does so, some places could also see significant ice build up overnight into Friday. This is likely to be accompanied by strengthening easterly winds.”
Pictured: Burnham-On-Sea’s lighthouse surrounded by snow last night
These photos show the scenes in Burnham-On-Sea last night (Tuesday) after the town saw light snowfall which provided a wintry coating to the beach and pavements.
Pictured: Icy pavements in Burnham-On-Sea’s Stoddens Road last night
There are only light snow flurries expected in Burnham-On-Sea today (Wednesday), but snow is forecast on Thursday from 1pm through until Friday morning which is expected to lead to some accumulations.
Pictured: College Street in Burnham-On-Sea town centre last night
BBC Points West weather forecaster Ian Fergusson said that there is also a chance that the Burnham-On-Sea area will see freezing rain on Thursday and Friday, creating slippery road and pavement conditions, however he cautioned that the forecast could still change.
The cold weather has been sparked by an area of high pressure moving north into Scandinavia, drawing cold air in from Russia and the east.
Pictured: The sea at Brean has frozen over, leaving a line of ice this week
Public Health England said it is “critical” to keep an eye on anyone over 65, young children or people with heart or lung conditions.
James Mapstone, Deputy Regional Director for Public Health England’s South region, said: “We are expecting some bitter weather over the weekend and early next week which may come as a bit of a shock for some after the more recent mild weather.”
Pictured: Frozen plants in Burnham-On-Sea’s Marine Cove today
The meteorological start of spring is Thursday 1st March – and the date falls right in the middle of the current cold spell.
Mr Mapstone added: “We urge people to remember to check weather forecasts and plan their day carefully around the weather. Take extra care if outside to prevent any accidental slips from icy or snowy pavements. Clear paths outside your house if possible.”
Pictured: Visitors to Highbridge’s Apex Park during the fall of snow
Mr Mapstone added: “When indoors it is critical that people stay warm, particularly if 65 or over, have long term health conditions or are young children. Wear lots of thin layers, eat regular warm and well-balanced meals, and remember that moving about will help keep you warm.”
“Staying warm by heating your home to at least 18C can be crucial to stay well.”
Pictured: Burnham-On-Sea Pavilion and a frozen pool of water
The amber weather warning covers Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Brent Knoll, Brean and the Huntspills in our area.
The Met Office has warned that there could be delays and cancellations to public transport. It has also cautioned that there could be interruptions to power supplies and other utilities.
Local supermarkets in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have also been busy as residents stock up on essential supplies.
Also see:
Burnham-On-Sea weather forecast
