UK weather: Snow and ice on the roads cause travel chaos nationwide as thousands left without power
Yellow warning issued for snow and ice
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's big freeze will continue this weekend, with heavy snow likely to cause significant travel disruption.
Saturday night could be the coldest night of the winter so far, the Met Office warned, with temperatures likely to fall to -16C in Scotland.
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in place for large parts of the UK.
Here is how we covered the day's events
The Met Office says it will be a cold and crisp start for many this morning, with wintry showers expected in the northern and eastern parts of the UK.
Temperatures across the south tonight could plummet to "negative double figures".
"Across the bulk of the UK, [it's] going to be really cold," said Alex Burkill, a meteorologist at the Met Office.
He added that temperatures in Benson, Oxfordshire could reach -10C.
Kent Police officers were hard at work last night on the A249.
The road was closed overnight due to snow but has now reopened.
If temperatures on Saturday night drop below -15.8C, as expected, it will be the coldest winter night since 2010.
"Temperatures overnight fall quite quickly over lying snow," said Simon Partridge, a forecaster at the Met Office.
"But most of the country will wake to dry and bright conditions on Sunday morning."
Gritters from Highways England worked overnight into Saturday to keep the roads treated, after snow and sleet caused havoc in the Kent and Hampshire.
The organisation said that 14 gritters, with snow ploughs attached, worked to clear the M3 in Hampshire between junctions five and eight. The road was cleared by 1.30am.
"We have every sympathy for drivers who found themselves stranded in the severe weather," Robert Bell, operations manager for Highways England South East, said.
Farmers in Hampshire helped to plough rural roads blocked with snow last night, according to the county council.
Drivers In Basingstoke were left stranded last night after heavy snowfall caused gridlock in the area.
The big freeze continues this weekend, leading to a wet, windy and unsettled Monday.
Read our latest weather forecast below:
Saturday afternoon is likely to be chilly, with some sunshine and wintry showers, according to the Met Office.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments