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Snow forecast for much of Britain Snow forecast for much of Britain
(about 9 hours later)
Parts of northern Britain could see snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in), weather forecasters are warning. Parts of northern Britain could see snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in) in the coming hours, weather forecasters say.
Blizzards are expected across most of Scotland, northern England and the north Midlands on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Blizzards are expected across most of Scotland, northern England and the north Midlands during the night and into Thursday morning.
Across southern England and south Wales, heavy rain is forecast to fall, but it could turn to ice in places it falls on cold ground. Across southern England and south Wales, heavy rain is forecast to fall, but it could turn to ice in places where it falls on cold ground.
Met Office experts said rush-hour driving on Thursday would be difficult.Met Office experts said rush-hour driving on Thursday would be difficult.
A spokesman said: "We had weather warnings out this morning and it was an icy start for most of the UK.
Strong windsStrong winds
"There is likely to be sun during Wednesday afternoon, but then in the evening temperatures will drop away and there is a weather system that will move in from the Atlantic. A Met Office spokesman said: "The main risk is for falls of snow across the north Midlands, northern England and Scotland.
"That will lead to snow in Northern Ireland, although it will turn back to rain after a couple of hours. "On higher ground we could see up to 20cm and lower down and in more populated areas 2cm-5cm (1in-2in) is likely.
"The main risk is for falls of snow across the north Midlands, northern England and Scotland."
The spokesman added: "On higher ground we could see up to 20cm and lower down and in more populated areas 2cm to 5cm is likely [1in to 2in].
"There may be a dusting for inland Wales and parts of the Midlands."The north of England has been buffeted by cold weather this week"There may be a dusting for inland Wales and parts of the Midlands."The north of England has been buffeted by cold weather this week
The snow is expected to be accompanied by strong winds, which means there is a real risk of blizzards and drifting. The snow is expected to be accompanied by strong winds, which means there is a risk of blizzards and drifting.
The spokesman said snow might be seen in Oxfordshire and the northern Home Counties, although it was unlikely to lie because it would turn to rain later. The spokesman said snow might be seen in Oxfordshire and the northern Home Counties, although it was unlikely to settle because it would turn to rain later.
Across London, the south east, the south west and areas to the south of the M4 motorway, heavy rain is forecast. Where it falls on cold ground there is a risk of icy patches, and difficult driving conditions. Wednesday night is set to see temperatures reach a low of -10C (14F) in parts of Scotland.
The Met Office spokesman said Thursday morning's rush hour would be difficult, but that much of the snow in England would be gone by lunchtime, although it is tipped to linger longer in Scotland. Through Thursday temperatures are expected to lift to 3-4C (37-39F) in Scotland and 10C (50F) across southern England.
On Tuesday, about 200 schools in the north-west of England were closed because of 2.5cm (1in) of snow causing poor driving conditions. Alternative transport
'White Christmas' The Met Office spokesman said Thursday's morning rush-hour would be difficult, but that much of the snow in England would be gone by lunchtime although it is tipped to stay longer in Scotland.
In Scotland, the emergency services urged motorists to take care as heavy snow hit northern areas, and there was black ice on roads across the country. 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."
Meanwhile, bookmakers have cut the odds on a white Christmas in the wake of the snow already seen and the further falls forecast.Meanwhile, bookmakers have cut the odds on a white Christmas in the wake of the snow already seen and the further falls forecast.
Ladbrokes has cut the odds on a white Christmas in London to 11/4 from 3/1 following another run of money.Ladbrokes has cut the odds on a white Christmas in London to 11/4 from 3/1 following another run of money.
The bookmaker was originally offering 7/1 for snow on 25 December in the capital.The bookmaker was originally offering 7/1 for snow on 25 December in the capital.
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.
A Ladbrokes spokesman said: "We're frozen with fear at the prospect of a white Christmas. Interest in the traditional festive wager has gone into overdrive this year."
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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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