Snow Falls As Wild Weather Strikes Britain

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Forecasters have raised the cold weather alert for large swathes of Britain - warning of ice, plumetting temperatures and up to 10cm of snow.

The Met Office has increased its alert level from yellow to amber - the second highest warning - for the Midlands and the North of England.

An amber alert means "there is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow".

The South, Northern Ireland, Wales, East Anglia, London and Kent are on yellow alert, meaning there is a 70 to 80% chance of freezing conditions.

In some central and northern parts, up to 10cm of snow could fall later.

Liverpool's John Lennon airport was forced to close due to snow. Five flights into the airport were rerouted and it has now re-opened.

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Gallery: Festive Feeling As Snow Falls Across The Midlands And Northwest England

Heavy snow at Liverpoolss John Lennon Airport Pic: @dazza1405

Maisy and Lulu Byrne, aged nine and seven, having fun in the snow in Gateacre, Liverpool

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Snow fell during the Premier League game between West Brom and Manchester City at the Hawthorns

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City's Argentine defender Martin Demichelis may not be used to the conditions, but his team won 3-1

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Meanwhile, temperatures could dip below freezing across much of Britain next week - falling to -15C in some parts.

Sky News Weather Presenter Isobel Lang said: "After this evening's low pressure system spirals into the near continent, the remnants of any snow should clear and it will turn icy.

"Scattered showers of rain, sleet and snow are likely to affect many areas during Saturday, but it will turn drier and clearer as high pressure moves in through Sunday and the run up to New Year.

"That period is likely to be the coldest of 2014 with some very low temperatures forecast. Minima of minus 10 to minus 15C are possible with daytime highs barely reaching zero or 1C in central areas."

The Met Office cold weather alert warns conditions could "increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services".

Met Office meteorologist Krista Mitchell said: "This year as a whole has been very mild, so this could be the coldest spell that we've had.

"As we go towards Monday and Tuesday, we will see overnight temperatures really drop, with widespread frost and most places dropping below freezing."

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said it was monitoring the conditions.

"As ever, the public have a vital role to play in terms of helping to minimise disruption," he said.

"We would advise people to prepare for some travel disruption as bridges could be affected by high winds and driving conditions could be challenging in some areas, so please allow extra time for your journeys.

"They should also check the relevant websites, such as Traffic Scotland, for up-to-date travel information before they set off."

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