Snow update: Latest Storm Darcy forecast from the Met Office for Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Waterlooville

In recent days Storm Darcy was forecast to bring a Beast from the East-style blast, with snow predicted to reach Hampshire as strong winds blew in from Ukraine and the Black Sea. However, yesterday the forecast was reduced and this morning it has changed again.

The latest prediction from the Met Office is that there will be no snow in Portsmouth on Sunday, although it will be cold and will feel like -6C. It’s similar for Gosport, although the forecasters say it will – only – feel like -4C.

There’s a 50-50 chance Fareham will see some short-lived snow in the early evening, and likewise Waterlooville, Havant and the Meon Valley.

However, yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for all our area for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – and the Met Office includes Portsmouth and Hampshire among areas which need to be on alert.

The Met Office’s statement this morning says: ‘Snow showers will feed off the North Sea into many northern and eastern areas of the UK. Whilst some areas in the warning area will remain largely dry, some persistent bands of showers are likely to develop in places.

‘Daily accumulations of 2-5 cm are probable for some, with 10-15 cm plausible in areas where showers merge into more organised and prolonged spells of snow. Some icy stretches are possible overnight, mainly where melting snow during the afternoon has not a chance to dry out before freezing overnight, although snow is likely to be more prevalent.’

Nationally, East Anglia looks set to bear the brunt of Storm Darcy today, with Kent also set for snow and some predictions seeing about a foot possible in the Downs of Kent. London and Kent have been issued amber weather warnings because of the snow – a step up from yellow.

Many parts of Scotland and north-east England could see 2cm to 5cm of snow, with 10cm to 15cm possible in regions above 200m.

Meteorologist Sarah Kent said: ‘There will be significant disruptive snowfall across the south east.

‘Within this area, there is a small chance particularly over the Downs of Kent and the North Downs that you could see 25-30cm of snow.

‘It is a small chance but the threat is there, up to a foot of snow potentially combined with extremely strong easterly winds. Even inland in that area, gusting could be 45mph and higher than that on the coasts.

‘This could lead to significant drifting of any lying snow and obviously blizzards for the snow coming past you for anyone who is attempting to travel.’

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a cold weather alert for the whole of England from Saturday through to Wednesday.

Dr Owen Landeg, of PHE, said: ‘Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable, it can have a serious impact on health.

‘For older people and those with heart and lung problems, it can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

‘So it’s really crucial at this time, especially ahead of a potentially very cold snap, to remember to check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses.’