Snowy conditions described as “the first taste of winter” have caused train cancellations and road delays in parts of the UK after severe weather warnings were issued.

The Met Office has three yellow warnings in place for snow and ice in the North, Midlands, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – warning that vehicles could be stranded, power cuts could occur and rural areas could be isolated.

The yellow warning for England has been issued until 11am and the warning for Scotland will remain in force until 10am on Wednesday.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first cold weather orange health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

The orange warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts for the south east, south west and London at 8 a.m. Tuesday and until 6 p.m. SATURDAY.

National Rail has warned that cold weather will affect various routes of northern rail services until at least 2pm on Tuesday.

Mersey Rail issued an alert warning passengers that due to the potential for snow and ice covering the tracks, the first service on every line in the North West of England would operate without customers to ensure conditions could be checked.

National highways have also issued a severe amber weather warning for snow, with the M1 in Leeds and Sheffield, the M56 in Manchester, junction 39 of the M6 ​​and junctions 21 to 23 of the M62 likely to experience disruption.

The Met Office, which described the conditions as “a first taste of winter”, said 5-10cm of snow would prove disruptive in England, with Derbyshire the area most likely to be affected .

The Alzheimer’s Society has warned that cold weather can be “particularly difficult” for people with dementia.

“It can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to colder temperatures, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or even recognize it not herself,” the charity said.

He advised the public to check on their loved ones, friends and neighbors living with this disease.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first orange cold weather health alert of the season, but we can expect more as winter approaches, and it is essential to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbors to make sure. they are well prepared for the arrival of cold weather.

“Especially if they are elderly or at increased risk.”

Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the association was concerned that the loss of winter fuel payments had caused many older people to have “additional fear” at the thought of turn on their heating this winter.

“With high energy bills and food prices, it’s understandable that some feel they need to cut back on their diet and turn off their heating, but prolonged exposure to cold can have a serious impact on an older person’s health , especially if she is already trying to manage existing illnesses,” she said.

“Cold raises blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke, and breathing cold air can also increase the risk and impact of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”

Ms Abrahams said it is “vital” that older people stay “fit, warm and healthy if they can” by eating and drinking hot drinks throughout the day, dressing warm and sleeping with the windows closed.

Another charity, Asthma + Lung UK, urged people with lung conditions to be “very careful”.

The charity warned that cold weather can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks or ‘flares’ for people with other lung conditions.

Erika Radford, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Your risk of ending up in the emergency room doubles in winter if you have lung disease.

“We are here to help you stay healthy, but every day people with lung conditions suffer needlessly and without urgent action more lives will be put at risk. »