Britain has been hit by severe blizzards and freezing rain which have turned roads into ice rinks and left some areas blanketed in snow.
Amber weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across England and Wales as the UK braces itself for three days of freezing conditions which could see rural communities cut off, stranded vehicles on roads and disruption to rail and air travel.
Drivers have been urged to take shovels with them on potentially treacherous journeys as millions head home following their post-Christmas and New Year festivities.
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Houses left WITHOUT power
The National Grid has said there have been a number of power cuts as a result of the wintery weather.
It is currently working to restore power across the Midlands, south-west England and South Wales on Saturday, including in Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff.
Travel chaos across Wiltshire – as roads closed
Motorists are being advised to only travel in Wiltshire if absolutely necessary as the county is hit by heavy snow.
Roads are reportedly being closed due to the weather.
In pictures: The Big Freeze hits Britain
Snow falls in Basingstoke,Hampshire this evening
Passengers disembark from a plane at Luton Airport as snow falls on Saturday night
A brutal Arctic blast has gripped the UK today, plunging large swathes of the country into chaos as heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice bring travel to a standstill.
The Met Office’s amber warnings for snow and ice are now in full force, as roads, railways, and airports face widespread disruption.
Power outages have hit parts of the Midlands, South West, and South Wales, including Birmingham, Cardiff, and Bristol, with crews racing to restore electricity.
Significant road disruption in parts of Somerset
Avon and Somerset Police have advised that the public only travel when absolutely necessary due to roads in the region being heavily impacted by snow and ice.
Multiple road incidents reported due to wintery conditions
A number of road traffic incidents have been reported across the UK today as a result of the wintery conditions.
Cumbria Police said on Saturday afternoon that it had received numerous calls about a multiple-vehicle collision on Wrynose Pass in the Lake District.
Wiltshire Police said the weather was “causing chaos” all over the county while Avon and Somerset Police warned of significant road disruption in parts of Somerset.
The A303 in Wiltshire was also closed between the A338 Cholderton and A345 Amesbury in both directions due to heavy snowfall, National Highways said
In pictures: Snow as it hits towns and cities in the UK
Big Freeze arrives! Snow across Britain as temperatures plummet
Flights suspended in Bristol as Big Freeze mayhem begins
Flight operations have been suspended at Bristol airport as snow storm hits the UK, triggering blackouts and travel chaos.
The major travel hub has confirmed that all flight operations have been suspended until later tonight due to ‘challenging weather’.
The suspension will mainly impact inbound flights, a spokesperson said, and customers are advised to contact airlines for more information. As staff are trying to clear the runway.
