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Schools close because of snowfall Schools close because of snowfall
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of schools in northern England and Scotland have closed because of snow and poor weather conditions. More than 500 schools in northern England and Scotland have closed because of poor weather conditions.
Although the weather was not as bad as first anticipated, forecasters warn blizzard conditions and snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in) are still possible.Although the weather was not as bad as first anticipated, forecasters warn blizzard conditions and snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in) are still possible.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning across Yorkshire while 200 homes on the North Yorkshire moors have no electricity. The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning across Yorkshire, and in Scarborough and the North Yorkshire moors 1,600 homes have no electricity.
In Kelso, Scotland, hundreds of homes had no gas supplies for a third night. Electricity company NEDL said it was investigating the cause.
Engineers were trying to reconnect the 350 out of 3,000 properties still affected. In Kelso, on the Scottish Borders, hundreds of homes had no gas supplies for a third night, with engineers trying to reconnect the 350 out of 3,000 properties still affected.
Several parts of the UK saw snowfall overnight with Scotland and northern England worst affected. Snow was reported in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway and on high ground throughout the country - but the weather was not as bad as it was feared it would be.
In Lancashire, 180 schools have closed because of the weather while heavy and drifting snow in parts of County Durham and Darlington were also reported. 'Lane closures'
Forecasters said this was because temperatures had risen slightly during the night, transforming much of the expected snow into rain.
But strong winds caused drifting, which led to roads being shut and lane closures on dual-carriageways on higher ground.
In Lancashire, 180 schools closed because of the weather while heavy and drifting snow in parts of County Durham and Darlington were also reported.
Around 200 schools in Yorkshire and 119 schools in Greater Manchester also shut because of the snow.Around 200 schools in Yorkshire and 119 schools in Greater Manchester also shut because of the snow.
In Dumfries and Galloway, where 15cm (5.9in) of snow fell in some places, 16 schools shut their doors, with a further 10 in Aberdeenshire closed or partially closed.HAVE YOUR SAY The local kids are coming back from school because the buses cannot get through Steve Day Send us your commentsIn Dumfries and Galloway, where 15cm (5.9in) of snow fell in some places, 16 schools shut their doors, with a further 10 in Aberdeenshire closed or partially closed.HAVE YOUR SAY The local kids are coming back from school because the buses cannot get through Steve Day Send us your comments
Passengers at Leeds Bradford International Airport faced "indefinite delays" because of the snow.Passengers at Leeds Bradford International Airport faced "indefinite delays" because of the snow.
Police also warned motorists of hazardous driving conditions.Police also warned motorists of hazardous driving conditions.
A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said accidents had occurred as icy conditions had caused vehicles to skid off the road.A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said accidents had occurred as icy conditions had caused vehicles to skid off the road.
Blizzard conditions have closed the Trans-Pennine route between the A67 and Brough and problems have been reported on the M62. Blizzard conditions have closed the 466 Trans-Pennine route westbound between North Yorkshire and Cumbria and problems have been reported on the M62.
The A1 northbound has closed after a lorry jack-knifed between junctions 56-57 and Durham Police has closed the snow gates on the A66 at Bowes both ways until heavy snow subsides.The A1 northbound has closed after a lorry jack-knifed between junctions 56-57 and Durham Police has closed the snow gates on the A66 at Bowes both ways until heavy snow subsides.
Northumbria Police have warned motorists taking the A1 north of Alnwick to be careful. They blamed snowfall for a number of accidents as drivers crashed into parked cars.Northumbria Police have warned motorists taking the A1 north of Alnwick to be careful. They blamed snowfall for a number of accidents as drivers crashed into parked cars.
The A68 at Carter Bar and at Ellishaw, towards Otterburn, was reported to be "virtually impassable".The A68 at Carter Bar and at Ellishaw, towards Otterburn, was reported to be "virtually impassable".
'Main risk' In County Durham, a police spokesman said: "There are problems on the roads pretty much everywhere you look."
The main travel routes in Scotland are open, although the A9 is "passable with care" at Drumochter.The main travel routes in Scotland are open, although the A9 is "passable with care" at Drumochter.
Snow was reported in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway and on high ground throughout the country but the weather was not as bad as anticipated. Chris Iveson snapped this view outside his window in Grasmerein, Lake District
Forecasters said this was because temperatures rose slightly in the night, transforming much of the expected snow into rain.
A Met Office spokesman said: "The main risk is for falls of snow across the north Midlands, northern England and Scotland.A Met Office spokesman said: "The main risk is for falls of snow across the north Midlands, northern England and Scotland.
"On higher ground we could see up to 20cm and lower down and in more populated areas 2cm-5cm (1in-2in) is likely."On higher ground we could see up to 20cm and lower down and in more populated areas 2cm-5cm (1in-2in) is likely.
"There may be a dusting for inland Wales and parts of the Midlands."Mubasher Ali spotted these cars in Haslingden, Rossendale
The snow is expected to be accompanied by strong winds.
Throughout Thursday temperatures are expected to rise to 3-4C (37-39F) in Scotland and 10C (50F) across southern England.Throughout Thursday temperatures are expected to rise to 3-4C (37-39F) in Scotland and 10C (50F) across southern England.
The Met Office spokesman said much of the snow in England would be gone by lunchtime although it is tipped to stay longer in Scotland.
The AA advised commuters to keep to main roads and drive at a speed suitable for the conditions.The AA advised commuters to keep to main roads and drive at a speed suitable for the conditions.
AA president Edmund King said: "Commuters can help themselves by checking information on the local weather and travel situation, following practical tips like not leaving your car on a sloped drive overnight, and thinking about walking or using public transport if practical."AA president Edmund King said: "Commuters can help themselves by checking information on the local weather and travel situation, following practical tips like not leaving your car on a sloped drive overnight, and thinking about walking or using public transport if practical."
Meanwhile, bookmakers have cut the odds on a white Christmas.Meanwhile, bookmakers have cut the odds on a white Christmas.
Ladbrokes cut the odds for one in London to 11/4 from 3/1.Ladbrokes cut the odds for one in London to 11/4 from 3/1.
Glasgow is 2/1 to see snow, from an opening quote of 8/1. Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester are at 4/1.Glasgow is 2/1 to see snow, from an opening quote of 8/1. Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester are at 4/1.
Send your pictures and videos of snow to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos of snow to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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