LONDON

Yellow ice warnings are in place for most parts of the UK, as the country's weather agency issued a snow and ice warning for Scotland, where up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow is expected on Wednesday.

The Met Office warned that snow and ice are likely to bring further disruption in Scotland, with possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

Authorities also warned against injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Fresh warnings came ahead of Storm Goretti, which is expected to hit the UK later this week, bringing as much as 20 cm (8 inches) of snowfall in parts of central and southern England and Wales amid freezing temperatures across Britain

The Met Office said a yellow warning for snow in parts of England and Wales will come into place from Thursday at 1800 GMT, lasting until midday on Friday.

Separately, a yellow warning for wind has also been issued for south-west England on Thursday between 1500 GMT and midnight.

The Met Office warned that Storm Goretti is likely to bring heavy snow, leading to disruption and difficult travelling conditions on Thursday and Friday.

On Tuesday, hundreds of schools in northern Scotland stayed closed for a second day while authorities extended the duration of the current amber cold-health alert for England amid an ongoing snow and ice warning.

In a statement, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the amber cold-health alert has been extended for all regions of England until 1200GMT on Sunday, Jan. 11.