The Met Office has extended a “risk to life” weather warning into Monday as the so-called mini Beast from the East ushers in more heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
Motorists have been urged to stay off the roads as an amber warning is extended into Monday morning for the south west, with a yellow severe weather warning in place elsewhere in the UK.
Travel chaos has ensued, with cars stranded overnight in parts of Cumbria and Yorkshire. Airports have also been shut and hundreds of flights have been cancelled.
Three snowploughs have been dispatched to the M62 after bad weather brought traffic to a standstill.
Greater Manchester Police’s traffic unit said conditions were “bleak” on the trans-Pennine route, with a video showing blizzard-like conditions.
Residents of seaside homes in Hemsby, Norfolk, were forced to leave as the area braced for snow and ice.
The county is covered by a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office and it is thought that five properties are at risk of coastal erosion.
The Met Office said snow showers were expected to continue until the early hours of Monday and a chilling wind factor will make the below zero temperatures feel even colder.
“Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely,” the Met Office said in a statement.
“There is a good chance that some rural upland communities could become cut off. Disruption to power supplies is possible.”
Additional reporting by agencies
