Snow Warning Issued for Formby as Residents Urged to Prepare for Disruption

The Met Office has issued a three-day yellow weather warning for snow across much of England, including Merseyside, this weekend. The warning, which comes into effect from midday on Saturday and lasts until 9am on Monday, highlights the potential for hazardous conditions, including travel disruption and icy patches.

This weather alert, covering most of England apart from the south-west, also extends into Wales and parts of southern Scotland. The Met Office has warned of possible power cuts and disruptions to mobile phone coverage. Flights, trains, and buses may face delays or cancellations as snow sweeps across the region.

According to the Met Office, the snow is likely to arrive as rain pushes northeast on Saturday afternoon and overnight into Sunday. This will be preceded by snow on its northern edge. While there’s some uncertainty about how far north the snow will spread and how long it will last, significant accumulations are likely, particularly over higher ground.

Significant Snowfall Expected

Formby and the surrounding areas could see widespread snow of 3-7 cm, while higher elevations may experience up to 30 cm of snow, particularly in regions like Wales and the Pennines. Strong easterly winds are expected to create snowdrifts, adding to the challenges.

As milder air moves north, it could bring a temporary spell of freezing rain in southern areas, creating icy conditions on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths. The Met Office warns that these icy patches will increase the risk of injuries and accidents.

Memories of Formby’s Snowy Past

This forecast has stirred memories of the last significant snowfalls that blanketed Formby in 2006 and 2010. Residents may recall the evening of Friday, December 17, 2010, when thick snow fell relentlessly, covering everything from Formby Beach and the Pinewoods to Chapel Lane. Trains and buses were canceled, and icy roads brought traffic to a halt.

While children enjoyed snowball fights and building snowmen, the community endured four weeks of record-low temperatures, plummeting as low as -18°C. Southport & Formby District General Hospital reported a surge in casualties from icy slips, while gritters worked tirelessly to keep roads passable.

Staying Safe

As this weekend’s snow approaches, residents are urged to take precautions. If travel is essential, ensure your vehicle is road-ready with checked tyres, screenwash, and a charged mobile phone. Drive carefully by using low gears, accelerating gently, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

For those staying home, keep warm by setting your thermostat to a steady temperature and closing internal doors. Prevent frozen pipes by allowing warm air to circulate around plumbing, and ensure pets are comfortable indoors. If power cuts occur, gather essential items such as torches, batteries, and mobile power banks.

Community Support

Look out for vulnerable neighbors or relatives who may need assistance with food or medical supplies. For urgent support, the British Red Cross Support Line is available at 0808 196 3651, and NHS 111 can assist with health-related concerns.

As Formby prepares for the weekend snow, let’s learn from the past, plan ahead, and ensure that everyone in the community stays safe and warm. Keep an eye on local updates and advice from emergency services to stay informed about changing conditions.

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1. What to do if you need to drive somewhere?

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:

• Plan your route

• Check for delays and road closures

• Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off

• Check wipers, tyres and screenwash

• Pack essentials in your car 

• Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack

2. Driving safely in snow

It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:

• Using dipped headlights

• Accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible

• Starting in second gear will help with wheel slip

• Maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles

• Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars

• Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary

• Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes

3. Thinking ahead and acting now so you can cope if cut off

You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days. Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need:

• Torches and batteries

• Candles and matches or lighters

• Plenty of blankets and warm clothing.

4. Staying safe if you are cut off

Following these simple steps will help keep you safe and well if isolated due to snow:

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night.

• Turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed to avoid fire risk

• Don’t forget your pets. Create a place where they can be comfortable in severe winter weather.

• Prevent frozen pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing

• Stay indoors wearing layers of loose fitting lightweight warm clothing rather than bulky clothing

• Never use a hob or oven to heat your home, they can increase carbon monoxide levels

If you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651

More about keeping your home warm in winter and avoiding frozen or burst pipes

5. What you can do in a powercut

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance and it's easy to do. The essentials that could help you cope with a power cut are:

• candles and matches or lighters,

• torches and batteries,

• a mobile phone power pack

If your power goes out these simple steps can help you deal with the situation:

• Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.

• Leave a light on, so you know when the power cut has been fixed.

• Check to see if your neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too. If they have power, your trip switch may have activated.

• Wrap up. If it's cold, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in.

• Portable heaters are a good alternative if heating systems are down.

• Call 105 for information, it’s a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, stay up to date with the weather in your area.