A severe winter weather warning has been issued, forecasting up to 12 inches (30 cm) of heavy, drifting snow in parts of the country within hours.
At local shops, people hurriedly stocked up, with nervous laughter over the last bags of rock salt. Outside, breath appeared as small clouds over queues of cars at petrol stations.
A passing gritter’s orange warning light cut through the dim sky as the city braced itself under a heavy winter sky. Children watched eagerly from windows, while adults prepared by checking weather apps, boots, and the time.
Forecast models indicate a collision between a deep, cold air mass and moist Atlantic air, a classic condition for significant snowfall where these bands stall.
The snow line is expected to move southeast in the early hours, with the heaviest snowfall coinciding with school runs and late shift changes.
The combination of freezing air, heavy snow, and strong winds is set to cause widespread disruption and dangerous travel conditions across the country.
This intense winter storm will bring heavy snow, strong winds, and slippery roads, demanding urgent preparation and caution nationwide.