Up to 28 centimetres of snow has fallen across high ground in Wales, with further snowfall expected throughout the day, the Met Office has reported. In England, average snow depths are around 10 centimetres, with up to 20 centimetres in parts of the Midlands and the Peak District.
An amber snow warning is in force, with the Met Office warning of significant travel delays for flights and rail journeys. Several airports, including Manchester, Luton, Birmingham and London Stansted, have either temporarily suspended flights or reported delays while snow is cleared from runways. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines to confirm whether their flights will operate.
Rail services are also affected, with disruptions on South Western Railway, East Midlands Trains and Chiltern Railways, as well as issues across London, Wales and East Anglia, according to National Rail.
The Heart of England NHS Trust has appealed for 4x4 drivers to help transport nurses to hospitals in Birmingham and Solihull after staff were unable to get to work due to the snow. In North Wales, similar volunteer efforts are under way, with the Red Cross assisting in moving blood supplies and medical equipment.
Drivers have been urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, with motorways in the Midlands covered in snow. Highways England advises carrying warm clothing, food, drink, medicine, boots, a shovel and a torch if journeys are essential. Police in Gloucestershire reported a high number of collisions and stranded vehicles.
Gale force winds of up to 80 mph are expected in southern England and Wales, with heavy rain that could freeze, leading to icy surfaces. More than 2,500 people in the south west have experienced power cuts, and temperatures could drop as low as -14C in rural areas of Scotland and Wales.
