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Snow and sleet is on its way after huge tides triggered by the eclipse threaten to cause flooding across much of the UK tonight and tomorrow.

The outfall of the once-every-18-year 'supertide' following the near-total eclipse, has already resulted in flooding over the weekend.

And more is expected in Bristol and the Midlands tonight with high tides as deep as 14.4 metres.

(Image: Archant)

But after the flood risk subsides tomorrow, temperatures could plunge as low as -5C on Tuesday night as freezing temperatures from Iceland cross the UK.

According to the Met Office, the Midlands is set to be worst affected by high-tide flooding as the after effects of the eclipse on tidal pull continue tonight and tomorrow morning.

(Image: Barcroft Media)

The tidal changes are due to the gravitational pull of the sun, moon and planets after the sun and moon lined up directly on Friday.

A Met Office statement said there was a flood alert in force for the Wye Estuary at Brockweir in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, until Monday morning at least, meaning some flooding is expected and those in affected areas should take "immediate action".

The statement added: "At Avonmouth (near Bristol) the high tide this morning reached 14.6 metres at 8.40 am.

"Sunday evening’s high tide is expected to reach between 14.2 and 14.4 metres at approximately 20.45 pm.

(Image: London News Pictures)

"This alert will likely remain in force until at least the high tide on Monday morning."

At Newport in Wales high tide this morning reached 7.6 metres at 8.30am with similar levels expected tonight at 8.45pm.

There are 24 lesser flood alerts, which mean it could happen so people should "be prepared," in place for the rest of the country, most in the south west and north west, but also some in Wales, southern, and eastern England.

(Image: Archant)

Yesterday, the Thames burst its banks in east London as the Thames Flood Barrier was closed, while West London was on flood alert.

This morning parked cars were submerged in Blakeney Quay, Holt, Norfolk, but there were no major incidents.

Surfers flocked to the River Severn in Gloucestershire today and Saturday to ride level five bore tidal waves, which should still be level four by morning.

The “tide of the century” was reported in northern France as Mont Saint-Michel, off Normandy, was cut off from the mainland as a 20,000-strong crowd watched giant waves.



An Environment Agency spokesman said: “These are spring tides, and higher due to the moon’s 18-year cycle. High tides may lead to spray on promenades.”

(Image: Reuters)

Weather forecasters predicted more snow in late March before the mercuary rose for Easter and a blistering May.

But they are now warning of a cooler start to the warm spell with the first week of the Easter holidays predicted to be at just 7 to 10C.

The Met Office forecasts a chill until Thursday as Icelandic winds make 6 to 9C highs feel like just 2 to 6C.

(Image: PA)

For Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there are warnings of sleet on hills in the South-West and snow on higher ground in the Pennines, north Wales, Cumbria and Scotland, with lower areas facing showers.

The Met Office says the first week of the Easter holidays, which begin on Friday, will be 7 to 10C with a mix of clear spells and showers or persistent rain with some wind.



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Met Office forecaster Kirk Waite said: “Conditions will feel quite cold from Monday due to brisk north-westerly winds bringing polar maritime air from Iceland’s direction.

“Sleet could fall in Dartmoor , with snow on the highest Pennines, Cumbrian fells and north Wales mountains, and over 500m in Scotland.



“Temperatures will generally be below average with some frosty nights. Nights could see down to -2C in England’s North and Scotland.



“Temperatures will return to nearer normal by Thursday. Into the weekend and next week see a mixture of sunshine, showers, one or two persistent rainbands and breezier conditions.



“There’s no signal for warm spells.”

