Britain wakes up to ‘severe weather emergency’ and travel chaos fears after coldest night in nine months with temperatures set to plunge to -12C and up to two inches of snow to fall today

• Snow and ice warnings in place as well as UKHSA issuing amber cold-health alert

Britain has had its coldest night in nine months with two inches of snow on the way today as winter officially began after temperatures dropped to nearly -10C (14F).

A Met Office warning for snow and ice will remain in place until 11am this morning for most of the UK’s eastern coast, stretching from the Highlands down to Essex.

Forecasters said up to 2in (5cm) of snow could fall over higher ground across the warning area, and up to 0.8in (2cm) is possible inland from the Humber northwards.

Separate ice warnings were also imposed in South West England and Northern Ireland today, both until 10am amid concerns people could slip over on pavements.

It comes after temperatures fell to -9.4C (15.1F) at Shap in Cumbria, making it Britain’s coldest night since mid-March. Yesterday brought the coldest November night for seven years when Santon Downham in Suffolk dropped to -6.6C (20.1F).

As meteorological winter officially began today on the day advent calendars were opened, the Met Office said a low of -10C (14F) was possible again tonight in Scottish glens where there is snow cover while it could even fall to -12C (10F) tomorrow night.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan activated a ‘severe weather emergency protocol’ to open accommodation to rough sleepers amid sub-zero temperatures in the capital. And Cornwall Council also enacted its own severe weather protocol for the homeless.

A boy does a snow angel this morning at Chester-le-Street in County Durham this morning

A woman walks down a snow-covered road in the North Tyneside village of Cullercoats today

People walk across a snowy road this morning at Chester-le-Street in County Durham

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions – the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber – until next Tuesday.

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A third (33 per cent) of respondents to a poll of more than 12,000 AA members said they would go ahead with planned journeys even if a red warning for snow was issued by the Met Office. Some 62 per cent said they would ignore amber alerts.

AA analysis of Department for Transport figures found 487 people were killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads in snowy conditions between 2017 and last year.

Nick Powell, AA patrol of the year, said: ‘It’s clear that many people will risk their vehicles and themselves on wintry roads – even when the worst weather is predicted.

‘The AA will be out on patrol as usual but there are some simple and common sense precautions drivers need to take to avoid a winter nightmare in the first place.’

He said this included allowing extra time for journeys and  properly de-icing the vehicle’s windows as well as clearing snow from the lights.

This means ‘cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time’.

Hilly areas including the North York Moors and parts of Scotland will see more snow today, forecasters said.

Met Office spokesman Tom Morgan said -8C (18F) to -10C (14F) was possible tonight.

He said: ‘It could possibly reach -12C (10F) very locally on Saturday and Sunday nights, again in the Scottish Highlands, [and] -9C (16F) to -10C (14F) is possible in northern England on Sunday night.’

This morning brought another widespread frost, with overnight temperatures expected to drop as low as -6C in South West England, -8C in Wales and -10C in parts of Scotland.

Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: ‘For most of us it will be dry and bright. There will be some wintry showers over the hills.

‘There could be 2cm to 5cm of snow for areas 100m to 200m above sea level, with rain falling at lower levels, particularly Northern Ireland and western Scotland.

‘The North York Moors and parts of Scotland will likely get snow. There will be another widespread frost, with a max temperature of 5C across the South.’

Snow swept across the South West, parts of Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland yesterday.

More than 30 schools in Cornwall closed for the day or opened late due to hazardous conditions.

In County Durham, police said ‘the first main snowfall of the winter’ had led to some road crashes.

And in North Yorkshire, the snow led to the A169 between Pickering and Whitby being closed and treacherous conditions elsewhere.

A Met Office weather warning for snow and ice will remain in place until 11am this morning

Residents of Ivybridge in Devon reported ‘heavy snow’ at 8am during the school run and rush hour, with driving conditions ‘really bad’.

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The Eden Project in Cornwall was closed because of the snow and there were reports of vehicles being stranded in the snow between Helston and Falmouth.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said the cold snap will be with us into the weekend — although milder air will attempt to make inroads from the South West, bringing further snow.

He said: ‘At the moment, the cold air is likely to stay in place for the end of this week and through the weekend, although a weather front will affect the South on Saturday and a low pressure system may move into southwestern parts on Sunday.’

Mr Claydon said the weather front on Saturday is likely to bring sleet and snow on high ground of South-West England and the Brecon Beacons, and rain at lower levels.

He added: ‘It is due to move east but peters out on the way.’

Elsewhere, the weather is due to remain mostly dry and bright but bitterly cold.

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On Saturday, daytime highs of just 2C (36F) are predicted in London, while Birmingham and Leeds could reach only 1C (34F) and some rural spots may struggle to rise above freezing.

Forecasters say they are not yet certain about how far Sunday’s low pressure system will make inroads against the cold air. Snow is possible on its leading edge on Sunday and Monday if it tracks north and eastwards.

Moving into next week, the weather is likely to remain cold with a north-easterly air flow pushing through frigid air from the north.

The Met Office predicts a good deal of dry, sunny weather for many, showers remain possible across the UK, particularly in eastern coastal areas.

However, showers could turn wintry at times.

The weather will become increasingly unsettled and less cold in southern and central areas next week, but it will probably remain cold with further coastal wintry showers in the north.

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For those who may be travelling on the roads this weekend, National Network Manager at National Highways, Dale Hipkiss, advised motorists to keep an winter kit in the car while driving.

‘Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital in case you and your passengers become stranded,’ he said.

‘Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, so please … plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

‘It’s also a good idea for people to check (your) vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, etc. before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.’

He added: ‘If you do unfortunately find yourself in an unsafe or vulnerable situation and need assistance, please contact the emergency services.’

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