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Snow forecast for much of Britain North facing blizzard conditions
(about 9 hours later)
Parts of northern Britain could see snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in) in the coming hours, weather forecasters say. Parts of northern Britain are facing blizzard conditions and 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 during the night and into Thursday morning. The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as blizzards are expected across Scotland, northern England and the north Midlands.
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. Across southern England and south Wales, heavy rain is forecast to fall, but this could turn to ice in places.
Met Office experts said rush-hour driving on Thursday would be difficult. Police have warned motorists of hazardous driving conditions.
Strong winds Several parts of the UK saw snowfall overnight with Scotland and northern England worst affected.
Durham Police have closed the snow gates on the A66 at Bowes both ways until the heavy snow subsides
Northumbria Police have warned motorists taking the A1 north of Alnwick to be extremely careful. They have blamed snowfall for a number of accidents caused by drivers crashing into parked cars.
The A68 at Carter Bar and at Ellishaw, towards Otterburn, is reported to be "virtually impassable".
Up to 30 schools are believed to have closed in West Yorkshire after snowfall in the area, while blizzard conditions were reported on the M62.
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."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 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 settle 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.
Wednesday night is set to see temperatures reach a low of -10C (14F) in parts of Scotland. MeteoGroup weather forecaster Rachel Vince blamed last night's big freeze on precipitation moving in from the west and turning into snow as it met the cold air.
She said: "As this rain moves in it is bringing in some milder air. In most places it will have turned to rain during the morning.
"Only the hills of northern England and eastern parts of Scotland will see much snow lying on the ground later today. Elsewhere, rain will have washed the snow away."
Through Thursday temperatures are expected to lift to 3-4C (37-39F) in Scotland and 10C (50F) across southern England.Through Thursday temperatures are expected to lift to 3-4C (37-39F) in Scotland and 10C (50F) across southern England.
Alternative transportAlternative transport
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.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.
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 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.
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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