Met Office warns of ‘hazardous’ weather as emergency gas reserves switched on

Emergency gas reserves have been turned on for the first time this winter as UK temperatures plunge.

British Gas owner Centrica said the Rough site – 18 miles off the Yorkshire coast – will help meet grid demands. Commuters were warned of “hazardous conditions” on roads and rail as the Met Office issued yellow alerts for snow and ice for the next 48 hours.

Most of Scotland and the north of England were set to be hit by the big chill with up to 5cm of snow forecast on high ground. More snow is expected in the south later this week.

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Centrica boss Chris O’Shea said Britain has enough gas stored to supply demand for 12 days – much less than Germany’s 80-day stock, or France’s 103 – but it was enough to see off any pre-Christmas cold snap.

He added: “Gas storage is vital to ensure the UK can manage demand effectively, keeping prices down, and Rough contributes more than 50% of the UK’s total gas storage.”

Met Office meteorologist David Olivier said this week’s snow would be “transient and short-lived”.

Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden is in agreement and said next week could bring "some ample snow for lower regions" based on current projections.

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"Next week will therefore bring a heightened risk for some prominent and notable snow showers across the country as the cold weather continues," he said.

Madden reckons the chances are "ever increasing" for what could be "the first widespread snow showers of the season".

This means millions of Brits could soon see some of the white stuff.

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