Huddersfield escaped the worst of the weather that ravaged large parts of the UK.

But the town could get a taste of winter this weekend, with sleet and snow likely – especially on high ground.

Huddersfield weather expert Paul Stevens believes wintry showers could well be a feature particularly on high ground above the town.

But he believes it will be short-lived, with next week seeing a return to the wet and windy weather that has been a feature across the Christmas holidays.

High tides and strong winds brought flooding to Wales, Scotland and western England as officials warned of a continuing threat in parts of the UK.

There were seven severe flood warnings – meaning “danger to life” – yesterday for Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wales.

Emergency services have urged the public to stay away from coastal areas.

A tidal surge caused flooding in Scotland and in Wales, people had to be rescued and some were trapped in their homes.

But Huddersfield had only a small amount of rainfall, with winds gusting up to 40mph.

Mr Stevens said: “It has been more of the same, with wet and windy weather. We have had a wet start to 2014 but it is nothing exceptional.

“Several people did express surprise when the Environment Agency talked in such severe terms about the weather.

“Yorkshire has not been badly hit and we will see more of the same weather over the next few days.

“The most interesting aspect for us could come later today when another band of rain moves north and as it reaches the Pennines it will meet cold air from the north.

“There is a strong possibility of the first real snow of the winter on the moors such as Holme Moss and wet snow and sleet for many of us across the town.

“But by tomorrow it will be gone as more mild, wet and windy weather sweeps in.”

The Environment Agency is not planning cuts to front-line flood defence services, Owen Paterson has said.

Speaking after a meeting of Government emergency committee Cobra, the Environment Secretary rejected claims flood defences were being cut.

Mr Paterson said: “I had a meeting this morning with the chief executive of the Environment Agency.

“He has assured me he has every intention of protecting front-line services concerned with flooding.”