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Winter's heaviest snow heading in Winter's heaviest snow heading in
(about 3 hours later)
Weather forecasters are predicting the heaviest snowfalls of the winter so far over most parts of Britain overnight.Weather forecasters are predicting the heaviest snowfalls of the winter so far over most parts of Britain overnight.
The snow, which is expected to fall for several hours, could be 2cm to 5cm deep in south-east England and up to 15cm in hilly areas of Wales and the Midlands.The snow, which is expected to fall for several hours, could be 2cm to 5cm deep in south-east England and up to 15cm in hilly areas of Wales and the Midlands.
The Met Office has issued an early warning of severe weather.The Met Office has issued an early warning of severe weather.
The Highways Agency has warned of poor driving conditions on Thursday morning, and rail travellers can also expect disruption in some parts of the UK.The Highways Agency has warned of poor driving conditions on Thursday morning, and rail travellers can also expect disruption in some parts of the UK.
The BBC Weather Centre says snow will begin falling around midnight or in the early hours in Wales and south-west England and then move north-eastwards, affecting cities like Bristol and London. The BBC Weather Centre says snow will begin falling at about midnight or in the early hours of the morning in Wales and south-west England.
"It will be the worst snow we'll have seen this winter," says BBC weather forecaster Nina Ridge. It will then move north-eastwards, affecting areas north of the M4 and cities like Bristol and London.
"It will be the worst snow we'll have seen this winter," said BBC weather forecaster Nina Ridge.
If the weather is severe, don't travel unless your journey is essential Highways Agency spokesmanIf the weather is severe, don't travel unless your journey is essential Highways Agency spokesman
The Highways Agency (HA), which is advising drivers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before they set out, said 400 salt-spreading vehicles were on stand-by. The Highways Agency (HA), which is advising drivers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before they set out, said 400 salt-spreading vehicles were on standby.
"It's possible that the heavy snow could affect central and southern England during the times when people are setting out to travel to work or school on Thursday morning," the HA said in a statement."It's possible that the heavy snow could affect central and southern England during the times when people are setting out to travel to work or school on Thursday morning," the HA said in a statement.
And it warned: "If the weather is severe, don't travel unless your journey is essential." "If the weather is severe, don't travel unless your journey is essential."
People who must travel are advised to take warm clothes, food, water, a torch and a spade in case of a breakdown.People who must travel are advised to take warm clothes, food, water, a torch and a spade in case of a breakdown.
Measures to prevent delaysMeasures to prevent delays
Network Rail said train lines in Kent and Sussex were most vulnerable to snow and ice because they take their power from the rails rather than overhead lines. Network Rail said train lines in Kent and Sussex were most vulnerable to snow and ice because they took their power from the rails rather than overhead lines.
Special trains will de-ice the tracks and spray anti-freeze on them, and heaters will stop points from freezing.Special trains will de-ice the tracks and spray anti-freeze on them, and heaters will stop points from freezing.
Temperatures have plummeted. Photo sent in by Dave JeffersonTemperatures have plummeted. Photo sent in by Dave Jefferson
Snow plough trains will be deployed if there is heavy snow and a helicopter will be used to spot the worst-affected areas.Snow plough trains will be deployed if there is heavy snow and a helicopter will be used to spot the worst-affected areas.
"We can't guarantee there won't be any disruption, but we're doing everything we can to try and keep things running as smoothly as possible," a Network Rail spokesman said."We can't guarantee there won't be any disruption, but we're doing everything we can to try and keep things running as smoothly as possible," a Network Rail spokesman said.
Britain's airports are also on standby for severe weather.
Heathrow, run by BAA, has about 30 snow-clearing vehicles ready for the worst.
A BAA spokesman said it was "impossible to say" if there would be any delays to flights.
"Our priority is to keep the runways operational and minimise disruption."
The spokesman said Gatwick Airport was not believed to be at risk of severe weather.
A spokesman for Manchester Airport said it was expecting 3cm of snow from 0500 GMT to 1200 GMT on Thursday.
It was calling in extra staff to drive snowmobiles and equipment to keep runways clear.
Its other priority was to work out how many diverted flights it could handle from other airports around the country.
Senior managers of Bristol International Airport are currently meeting to try to work out plans to prevent any flight delays.
Schools closed
Snow has already affected Northumberland and parts of Scotland.Snow has already affected Northumberland and parts of Scotland.
In Grampian, 16 schools in Aberdeenshire were either closed or partially closed on Wednesday, and the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul road was also shut.In Grampian, 16 schools in Aberdeenshire were either closed or partially closed on Wednesday, and the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul road was also shut.
Temperatures plummeted overnight all over Britain on Tuesday with the lowest recorded in Sennybridge, Powys - minus 9C (16F).Temperatures plummeted overnight all over Britain on Tuesday with the lowest recorded in Sennybridge, Powys - minus 9C (16F).