Home / Weather / Arctic Blast Triggers Road Closures Amidst Freezing UK Weather
Arctic Blast Triggers Road Closures Amidst Freezing UK Weather
13 Feb
Summary
- Major Pennine road A66 closed due to heavy snowfall and ice.
- Yellow weather warnings issued for snow, ice, and disruption until Friday noon.
- Cold weather health alerts issued for vulnerable people in northern England.
An Arctic maritime air mass is currently bringing significantly colder temperatures southward, impacting Scotland and northern England with snow, ice, and freezing conditions as of Friday, February 13, 2026. Widespread travel disruption is anticipated due to two yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office, which are active until noon today. These warnings predict snow showers, potentially reaching 10cm on higher ground, and icy roads, leading to longer journey times.
The closure of the A66 between County Durham and Cumbria on Friday morning highlights the severity of the wintry weather. National Highways and Cumbria police are working to clear the carriageway, but continuous snowfall is expected. This cold snap follows a remarkably wet start to 2026 for many parts of the UK, with numerous flood warnings and alerts still in place in England and Wales.
In response to the freezing temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow health alerts for cold weather across northern England and the Midlands, effective from Friday morning until Monday morning. These alerts raise concerns about increased risks to vulnerable populations and greater demand on healthcare services. Despite the current challenging conditions, forecasters suggest Saturday, February 14, 2026, may offer a respite with sunshine, though temperatures will remain cooler than average.
