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Storms set to get worse across UK Storms set to get worse across UK
(10 minutes later)
Snow is expected to strike many parts of Britain, with showers forecast to fall in several areas.Snow is expected to strike many parts of Britain, with showers forecast to fall in several areas.
Blizzards are forecast for Scotland, while the North East of England and East Anglia are also predicted to see plenty of snow.Blizzards are forecast for Scotland, while the North East of England and East Anglia are also predicted to see plenty of snow.
It comes as rescuers airlifted 14 passengers from a ferry which ran aground at Blackpool in high seas. It comes as rescuers airlifted 23 passengers and crew from a ferry which ran aground at Blackpool in high seas.
Motorists across the country have already been hit by high winds which have caused several accidents.Motorists across the country have already been hit by high winds which have caused several accidents.
Caution urgedCaution urged
Council gritters in many parts of England have been out overnight to try and combat the effects of the snowfall.Council gritters in many parts of England have been out overnight to try and combat the effects of the snowfall.
BBC forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said Scotland could expect gales and 20cm to 30cm of snow across the hills, but added "this is not unusual" for the region. Decreased visibility is one of those, so make sure you de-mist before you set off AA spokesman class="" href="/1/hi/england/merseyside/7221386.stm">Ferry runs aground BBC forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said Scotland could expect gales and 20cm to 30cm of snow across the hills, but added "this is not unusual" for the region.
There will be snow in the North East of England as well as Yorkshire and Cumbria starting around lunchtime.There will be snow in the North East of England as well as Yorkshire and Cumbria starting around lunchtime.
Decreased visibility is one of those, so make sure you de-mist before you set off AA spokesman Ferry runs aground
Later in the day the snow will reach Lincolnshire and East Anglia. The rest of the UK will have a mixture of wintry flurries and sunny spells.Later in the day the snow will reach Lincolnshire and East Anglia. The rest of the UK will have a mixture of wintry flurries and sunny spells.
Chairman of the Local Government Association Transport and Regeneration Board, Councillor David Sparks, said: "Councils up and down the country are on high alert for the wintry weather forecast this week.
"The stockpiling of grit, combined with investment in new technology, means that local authorities will be able to tackle icy road conditions before they become potentially dangerous for drivers."
Hazardous conditionsHazardous conditions
  • A fishing vessel with 14 people on board has run aground near St Kilda in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.
  • Some schools in Shropshire are closing early on Friday because of the snow that is forecast. The decision came after a severe weather warning from Shropshire County Council.
  • Some schools in Shropshire are closing early on Friday because of the snow that is forecast. The decision came after a severe weather warning from Shropshire County Council.
  • On Thursday a 45-year-old lorry driver died on the M6 near Tebay, Cumbria, as his lorry overturned in 70 mph gusts.
  • On Thursday a 45-year-old lorry driver died on the M6 near Tebay, Cumbria, as his lorry overturned in 70 mph gusts.
  • In Wales, about 1,000 homes were left without power on Thursday in Gwynedd and two schools, John Beddoes High in Presteigne and Whitton Primary schools in Powys, closed because of a power failure.
  • In Wales, about 1,000 homes were left without power on Thursday in Gwynedd and two schools, John Beddoes High in Presteigne and Whitton Primary schools in Powys, closed because of a power failure.
  • In Moseley, Birmingham, a baby girl had to be taken to hospital after a strong gust knocked her and the pushchair she was in into a lake.
  • In Moseley, Birmingham, a baby girl had to be taken to hospital after a strong gust knocked her and the pushchair she was in into a lake.
  • The Forth Road Bridge, west of Edinburgh, was closed after a lorry earlier overturned in high winds.
  • The Forth Road Bridge, west of Edinburgh, was closed after a lorry earlier overturned in high winds.
  • The Port of Dover in Kent closed for a time after gusts of up to 60mph forced it to close.
  • The Port of Dover in Kent closed for a time after gusts of up to 60mph forced it to close.
    • Where possible, motorists should postpone car journeys until the weather clears, but those who do need to be out on the roads may find they need to cope with weather related hazards AA spokesman
    Chairman of the Local Government Association Transport and Regeneration Board, Councillor David Sparks, said: "Councils up and down the country are on high alert for the wintry weather forecast this week.
    "The stockpiling of grit, combined with investment in new technology, means that local authorities will be able to tackle icy road conditions before they become potentially dangerous for drivers."
    The AA advised motorists to prepare for journeys by checking local traffic and weather reports.The AA advised motorists to prepare for journeys by checking local traffic and weather reports.
    A spokesman said: "Where possible, motorists should postpone car journeys until the weather clears, but those who do need to be out on the roads may find they need to cope with weather related hazards.A spokesman said: "Where possible, motorists should postpone car journeys until the weather clears, but those who do need to be out on the roads may find they need to cope with weather related hazards.
    "Decreased visibility is one of those, so make sure you de-mist before you set off.""Decreased visibility is one of those, so make sure you de-mist before you set off."