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North facing blizzard conditions North facing blizzard conditions
(about 1 hour later)
Parts of Scotland and northern England are facing blizzard conditions and could see snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in), weather forecasters say. Parts of Scotland and northern England are still facing blizzard conditions and could see snowfalls of 20cm (7.8in), weather forecasters say.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning across the whole of Yorkshire, where the conditions have already closed several roads.The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning across the whole of Yorkshire, where the conditions have already closed several roads.
Passengers checking into Leeds Bradford International Airport face "indefinite delays" because of the snow.Passengers checking into Leeds Bradford International Airport face "indefinite delays" because of the snow.
Police have warned motorists of hazardous driving conditions.Police have warned motorists of hazardous driving conditions.
Several parts of the UK saw snowfall overnight with Scotland and northern England worst affected.Several parts of the UK saw snowfall overnight with Scotland and northern England worst affected.
Across southern England and south Wales, heavy rain is forecast to fall, but this could turn to ice in places.Across southern England and south Wales, heavy rain is forecast to fall, but this could turn to ice in places.
Up to six inches of snow have already fallen on high ground in North Yorkshire.Up to six inches of snow have already fallen on high ground in North Yorkshire.
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 Trans-Pennine route between the A67 and Brough 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 have closed the snow gates on the A66 at Bowes both ways until the 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.
'Virtually impassable''Virtually impassable'
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. 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".
In Lancashire, more than 100 schools have closed because of the heavy weather conditions while heavy and drifting snow in parts of County Durham and Darlington have also been reported. In Lancashire, 180 schools have closed because of the weather while heavy and drifting snow in parts of County Durham and Darlington have been reported.
More than 100 schools in West Yorkshire, 70 schools in North Yorkshire and 29 in the Newcastle area have closed because of the snow. Around 200 schools in Yorkshire have closed because of the snow.
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.The north of England has been buffeted by cold weather this week
Snow has also been reported in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway and on high ground throughout the country. Snow was reported in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway and on high ground throughout the country but the weather was not as bad as anticipated.
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."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 snow is expected to be accompanied by strong winds.The snow is expected to be accompanied by strong winds.
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 morning's rush-hour would be difficult in some parts, but 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.
Ladbrokes has cut the odds on a white Christmas in London to 11/4 from 3/1 following another run of money. Ladbrokes cut the odds for one in London to 11/4 from 3/1.
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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