Severe ice warnings have been issued across much of the UK for the morning rush hour, with commuters told to beware of treacherous roads and pavements.
Forecasters have warned motorists that the extremely cold weather overnight, combined with widespread frost, will see road surfaces and public walkways become almost impassable in some places.
During the night, the temperature will drop to as low as -10C, causing icy conditions from the South of England all the way up to the Scottish Highlands.
Meanwhile, the Met Office said treatment scattered across Britain’s busiest motorways by gritters would be washed away in places by rainy showers, as it urged road users to travel only if necessary.
On Wednesday, drivers faced dangerous conditions on many routes and thousands of homes were left without power.
Drivers in the East Midlands were left at a standstill for more than seven hours in huge tailbacks on the A14, while the RAC had a dozen callouts relating to one pothole damaging vehicles on part of the M25 around London.
Severe ice warnings have been issued across much of the UK for the morning rush hour, with commuters told to beware of treacherous roads and pavements
A recovery lorry became stuck after going to help other lorries on the A14 in Northampton this afternoon
Sheep are driven to another field in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, after overnight snow caused problems across Britain
An easyJet plane is de-iced at London Luton Airport today after wintry weather swept across the country
A gritter uses a snow plough to clear lane 3 of the M1 northbound near junction 20, near Lutterworth in Leicestershire today
A Hermes lorry stuck on the A14 in Northampton after wintry weather swept across the country today
A Blue Air flight comes into land at London Luton Airport this morning after wintry weather swept across the country
Passengers queue for passport control at London Gatwick Airport today as many also faced flight delays due to the snow
Northamptonshire Police attended this road traffic collision on the M1, saying the road had ‘quickly become treacherous’
Olivia Potter and her brother Joshua, both five, throw snowballs while having fun at the Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol
Queues on the A14 near Kettering in Northamptonshire this morning after the road was affected by multiple collisions
Thames Valley Police posted this image of officers attending to a crash after a car overturned in wintry conditions today
Western Power Networks said more than 14,000 properties had been cut off while SSE had 10,000 customers without power – and passengers leaving London Luton Airport were facing an average delay of 80 minutes.
London City departures were facing an average delay of 40 minutes, while it was 50 minutes at Stansted this morning. Bristol and Manchester airports also faced delays today as dozens of flights were affected by the snow.
Rail passengers across Britain faced disruption as services returned for many, with problems reported around London, Oxford and Edinburgh. Conditions will be even colder tonight as temperatures fall to -8C (18F).
There were problems on CrossCountry routes today with members of the RMT Union undertaking strike action, resulting in a significantly reduced service. More industrial action is scheduled on the operator for New Year’s Eve.
Problems included an obstruction on the track at Peckham Rye in South London, a points issue in Oxford, signalling problems at Edinburgh Haymarket and an obstruction at Hatton in Warwickshire.
Meanwhile there was a tree blocking the line between Petersfield and Bedhampton in Hampshire, a points problem in Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside and a tracks circuit issue at Queenstown Road in South London.
East Midlands Trains reported heavy snow between Market Harborough in Leicestershire and Kettering in Northamptonshire resulted in delays, while Highways England told of ‘severe conditions’ on the A14 near Kettering.
The RAC said it saw a 15 to 20 per cent spike in call-outs compared with this time last year, while the AA said it had dealt with 8,000 breakdowns by lunchtime, which was ‘significantly more than a normal Wednesday in winter’.
Drivers were warned of 90 minutes delays norhtbound at the Dartford Crossing in Kent, after one of the tunnels was closed due to a ‘technical fault’. There was also a lane closed on the M20 near Brands Hatch after an accident.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow, ice and rain across vast swathes of Britain on Thursday and for the rest of the week
The Met Office tweeted a picture of snow cover across Britain, with the white stuff clearly covering parts of southern England
Police attend to a lorry after it jack-knifed on the M5 junction 11A in the early hours of this morning, causing travel chaos
Snow covered cars on Waterloo Street in Birmingham this morning as flights from the city’s airport could be affected
A woman sees her Union Jack umbrella turned inside out by the wet and windy conditions in London this morning
Pedestrians struggle with the freezing rain and blustery conditions on Westminster Bridge in London today
Families have a snowball fight on the High Street in Broadway, Worcestershire, after a blanket of the white stuff fell
Fishermen cast their poles to catch fish in the River Clyde in Abington as temperatures drop across the country
Snow ploughs and de-icing equipment is seen at Luton Airport today after wintry weather swept across the country
A snowboarder chooses the right mode of transport in the North Pennines today on the slopes of Yadmoss Ski Tow in Cumbria
A few tourists brave the cold and snow to see the sights in Cambridge today, which was hit by the severe weather
The southbound carriageway of the M1 was closed near Lutterworth in Leicestershire after an accident involving a lorry, while another HGV jack-knifed in heavy snow on the M5 in Gloucestershire.
A third lorry jack-knifed on the snow-hit A34 northbound at Chilton in Oxfordshire, while police said two lanes of the M4 Bristol-bound carriageway were shut at Hungerford in Berkshire because of ‘an accident and snow’.
Police also said traffic was very slow due to a two-vehicle accident on the A617 between M1 junction 29 and the A6175 for Chesterfield in Derbyshire and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.
Two vehicles were involved in a smash which closed the A30 eastbound carriageway in Cornwall, leaving an ambulance on its side. Firefighters said three people were released before they arrived at the scene.
To add to the chaos, the A30 near St Erth, Cornwall, was closed in both directions this morning because of fears that a shopping centre roof could be blown off in the snowstorms and wintry gales.
Police in Northamptonshire said severe weather conditions were affecting the A14 in both directions between the M6/M1 and J3. Officers asked drivers to avoid the route and only travel if the journey is essential.
Police forces used social media to warn motorists of the possible dangers of adverse weather on the country’s road network, with many people travelling on Boxing Day ahead of their return to work today.
Strong winds were also recorded in parts of the south west overnight, with gusts of up to 50mph blowing across Cornwall. The weather also delayed waste and recycling collections in the Cotswolds.
Passengers leaving Stansted Airport were left waiting as the runway was closed temporarily to allow safety checks to be carried out.
Elsewhere, travellers at Luton Airport were also warned to expect possible delays due to sleet and snow, with reported delays of over two hours while crews de-iced their plane.
A Luton spokesman said: ‘Sleet and snow is forecast until 2pm. Passengers are advised to monitor traffic and travel updates before setting off for the airport and to regularly check with your airline for the status of your flight.’
People run with their dogs on the Cotswold hills, Worcestershire, after overnight snow caused travel disruption
The Scottish Borders has been hit by snow and temperatures as low as -5C as the borders are turned into a winter wonderland
Sheep are driven to another field in the Cotswolds after overnight snow caused travel disruption across parts of the UK
Children make the most of the drifting snow on the Cotswold hills in Worcestershire as they go down a hill
A red deer in the settling snow on the Cotswold Hills in Worcestershire, after severe weather overnight
People enjoy the snow at Broadway Tower on the Cotswold Hills in Worcestershire today
People head out with sledges towards Broadway Tower on the Cotswold Hills in Worcestershire
A stag in the settling snow on the Cotswold Hills, Worcestershire, after overnight snow caused travel disruption
Dog walkers enjoying a stroll in the snow near Inverness today after the Scottish Highlands were hit by heavy snow
A train battles through the snow at Moy near Inverness where several inches of snow has fallen today
Motorists have been stuck in tailbacks from the A14 slip road off the M1 junction 19 after snow and ice caused traffic problems
Lorries have been stuck between junction one and two of the A14 after overnight snow caused travel disruptions in Britain
Passengers leaving Stansted Airport were left waiting as the runway was closed to allow safety checks to be carried out
Lorries became stuck between junctions one and two of the A14 near Rugby in Warwickshire after overnight snow
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of rain and snow for the Midlands, London and the South East, the North West, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber that remained in place until 11am.
Forecasters said up to 25mm (1in) of rain is expected widely with some places receiving up to 50mm (2in). Snow is expected to settle mainly above 300ft (100m) with 2cm (0.8in) for most, but up to 10cm (4in) in a few places.
A separate warning for ice has been issued for Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East in England and the Highlands, Grampian, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde and Orkney and Shetland in Scotland.
As of 10am, the Environment Agency had 14 warnings in place where flooding is expected and immediate action is required, with more than 100 alerts where flooding is possible and people should be prepared.
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: ‘We have had some quickly changing weather overnight with a band of heavy rain and hill snow that started in the south west and is gradually moving north and eastwards.
Joggers make their way through the hills of the Scottish Borders which has been hit by snow and temperatures as low as -5C
A chilled lorry became stuck between junctions one and two of the A14 near Rugby overnight after heavy snow
The Scottish Borders have been turned into a winter wonderland after the low temperatures and overnight snowfall
Surrey Police posted this picture on Twitter, telling followers: ‘Please be careful on the roads if you’re heading back to work’
Residents of Rednal in Birmingham are greeted by snow this morning, as some people return to work a day after Boxing Day
Residents of Rednal, Birmingham, are greeted by snow today as a white blanket covers parts of the country
An easyJet plane is de-iced at London Luton Airport this morning after wintry weather swept across the country
Chloe Davies (right), eight, and her sister Holly, 11, enjoy a sledge ride at the Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol today
Homes in Rednal, Birmingham, are covered in snow this morning as parts of Britain are hit by a wintry blanket
A squirrel plays in the snow in Bristol this morning as parts of the UK wake up to snowfall
Two cyclists brave the freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions in the Peak District National Park today
The snow-covered Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol this morning as parts of the UK wake up to snowfall
Snow covered Clifton in Bristol on Wednesday morning as motorists are warned of dangerous conditions on Britain’s roads
‘That’s crossed Wales and is just lying over central southern England and it has brought some snow with it.’
Up to 7cm (2.8in) of snow was recorded to have fallen over Exmoor, South Wales and the Cotswolds overnight, while other areas also saw flurries.
‘We have had a number of reports of areas affected; it shut part of the M5 just south of Bristol because lorries could not get uphill,’ Mr Partridge said.
‘There has also been come power cuts reported and road traffic accidents as well, although these have been more to do with surface water.’
Strong winds were also recorded in parts of the south west overnight, with gusts of up to 50mph blowing across Cornwall. The weather also delayed waste and recycling collections in the Cotswolds.
Cars were covered in snow in Bristol this morning as the Met Office issued severe weather warnings for swathes of the UK
Snow falling at Aldershot train station in Hampshire this morning after wintry weather swept across the country
Police attend to a road accident after a vehicle flipped over in heavy snow on the M5 in Gloucestershire today
Thousands of Brits woke up to snow this morning (pictured, Birmingham) and Western Power Networks said more than 14,000 properties had been cut off
A couple walk beneath an umbrella along New Street during heavy snowfall in Birmingham city centre this morning
Cars were covered in snow in Leicester this morning and motorists have been warned of dangerous conditions on the roads
Snow was falling in Birmingham this morning and passengers at the airport have been warned their flights could be affected
Snow surrounds the Jewellery Quarter clock in Hockley, Birmingham, as parts of the city are covered with the white stuff
Birmingham had hours of rain before the snow this morning which has caused hazardous driving conditions
Heavy snow has hit Birmingham this morning and passengers at the city’s airport could face delays because of the weather
The band of rain and snow is not expected to clear the mainland until around 7pm today, although showers are expected to become lighter and patchy as the day progresses.
Dry, bright and breezy conditions will follow, with some wintry showers affecting the west and north of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Temperatures are expected to peak around 6C (43F) in the South West, although many places will only reach 3C (37F) or 4C (39F).
Places where snow has accumulated overnight will struggle to tip over 0C (32F), while those areas could see temperatures dip back down to -8C (18F) overnight tonight.
Tomorrow will generally be drier and day with slightly less wind, although it will remain cold. Wet and windy weather is expected to return for the weekend, raising the risk of some flooding, Mr Partridge said.
The latest snowfall to hit the UK comes around a fortnight after hundreds of schools were closed, homes were left without power, and travellers were stranded or forced to stay indoors when a deep freeze gripped the UK.
Driver is trapped for two hours in 3ft of floodwater
A driver was trapped for more than two hours in 3ft of floodwater after her car became partly submerged following torrential rain today.
Two firefighters wearing dry suits had to wade into the flooded road and eventually reached the motorist, who was rescued from underneath a railway bridge and carried to safety where she was examined by paramedics.
The incident happened in darkness at Marsh Gibbon, Oxfordshire, shortly after 7.30am and fire crews, police and paramedics rushed to the scene.
Two firefighters wearing dry suits had to wade into the flooded road and eventually reached the motorist in Marsh Gibbon, Oxfordshire
The woman was rescued from underneath a railway bridge and carried to safety where she was examined by paramedics
A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Thames Valley Fire Control received a call from a member of the public stating they were with someone who was stuck in their car in floodwater underneath the railway bridge on the road between Launton and Marsh Gibbon.
‘We mobilised one fire engine and crew from Bicester which attended along with Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service. Two firefighters wearing dry suits entered the water which was nearly three feet deep and were able to rescue the woman driver who had been stuck for two hours.
‘They also fitted a towing eye and a winch rope to allow the vehicle to be safely recovered.’
Incident Commander Coral Hollis said: ‘Due to the significant rainfall last night, this area is suffering from localised flooding which is not always apparent.
‘We would always encourage people to consider their journeys, ensure they don’t enter water if they are in any doubt as to whether it is passable and if you do become stuck ensure you have a means of summoning help.’
Drivers left at a standstill for more than seven hours as snow hits traffic on A14
Drivers in the East Midlands were left at a standstill for more than seven hours today after snow and ice caused tailbacks spanning several miles on the A14.
Following disruption in both directions due to overnight snow, the road was finally reopened in both directions in the early afternoon, albeit with traffic still moving slowly in some parts.
Northants Police tweeted that a number of broken down heavy goods vehicles had caused severe delays between junction eight and the M1, with only one lane left open.
A lorry stuck on the A14 in Northampton after wintry weather swept across the country
Highways England said it had received reports of several traffic incidents relating to Catthorpe, Leicestershire, and urged drivers to avoid the route, while problems were also reported on the eastbound carriageway around Northamptonshire.
Several drivers near the towns of Rothwell and Crick posted on Twitter that they had been stuck in traffic as snow settled on the tarmac, with some complaining they were growing hungry and tired after being left stranded for hours.
One Twitter user, Jon Beaumont, posted that he had been stuck near Harrington, Northamptonshire, since 5.15am, while lorry driver @sjdudge tweeted a picture of his vehicle in the snow and wrote: ‘Well it’s stopped snowing on the A14 … been here 5 hours and snow is so bad nothing is moving any time soon, need a Land Rover.’
Lorries queue after an HGV became stuck on the A14 in Northampton in the snowy conditions
Joshua Agdomar, 30, from Moulton, Lincolnshire, said he had been stuck on the road since just before 6am, and had not moved since shortly after that.
‘(There are) rows and rows of cars. I was driving up at about quarter to 6. And one of the lanes must have had about three inches of snow, so we were all forced in to the left hand lane,’ he said.
‘We got the chance to move in to the second lane about 6.15 and I’ve just been stationary ever since.’
Lorries and cars were stuck on the A14 near Desborough in Northamptonshire for seven hours
Mr Agdomar said the delay had meant a group of labourers were stuck outside his home unable to begin scheduled work, and added that he was concerned his electric vehicle would run out of energy should the delays continue throughout the day.
During the blockage, Highways England advised people stuck in traffic to ‘stay with your vehicles, heaters on and wrap up where possible’, adding it was doing all it could to ‘get vehicles cleared and get you moving’.
Problems on the eastbound carriageway began to clear a little after midday, and just after 1pm Pc Chris Gray of Northants Police’s Safer Roads Team tweeted that westbound traffic was ‘flowing slowly’ after junction three was reopened, with drivers urged to ‘take it easy as roads are still slushy’.
Forecasters have warned motorists that the extremely cold weather overnight, combined with widespread frost, will see road surfaces and public walkways become impassable in some places