Storm Bert weather warnings live: Britons warned to stock up on water and food ahead of heavy snow and wind

People in northern Scotland are being warned of a small chance of power cuts and mobile phone outages, as well as the potential for cancelled rail and air travel, due to the severe weather.

Under one of multiple yellow warnings issued by the Met Office for various parts of the UK, rural communities also face warnings of a “slight chance” they will be cut off.

The weather bureau is also warning residents in that region of risks of slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as traffic disruptions due to Storm Bert moving over the UK through the coming days.

“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel,” the Met Office said.

A popular Christmas lights switch-on has been cancelled as the country prepares for Storm Bert.

The Christmas lights will not illuminate in Romsey, Hamshire, tomorrow, the town council has said.

A spokesperson said: “Don’t dismay as we have plenty more events in Romsey to look forward to, including our new Christmas Market event A Taste of Christmas Markets coming up on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 6pm.”

National Energy Action Chief Executive Adam Scorer said: “Today's news that the price cap is rising by 1% will impact millions of vulnerable households. Bills are around 50% higher than pre crisis levels.

“With temperatures now plunging and far less support available many are getting deeper into debt trying to keep warm. Now we know there will be no let up into January and beyond. Targeted government support is essential to save millions from the misery and danger of a cold home.”

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: “Through into Friday… snow showers are set to continue mainly around coastal areas though once again still a few feeding inland at times.

“There will also still be plenty of autumnal sunshine. Still feeling cold though, particularly in those brisk winds – once again we’re only looking at highs of around 5C, slightly higher in the south west around 7C.

“Across the north those temperatures struggling to move past 2-3C.

“As we head into Friday evening, a change is on its way as we introduce Storm Bert moving its way in from the Atlantic. So we’ll see clouds spilling in from the south west with outbreaks of rain – heavy at times by the time we reach Saturday morning.”

Ms Criswick said there are likely to be “heavy” outbreaks of rain throughout Saturday, “falling as snow” at times across northern parts of England and parts of Scotland.

Ofgem has confirmed household energy bills are to rise again from January 1 as it announced a 1.2% increase to its price cap.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Older people, struggling without their winter fuel payment, who were praying for a reduction in energy prices to help them in the New Year, will be bitterly disappointed today.

“The news that the energy price cap is instead slightly rising is the latest in a series of blows for pensioners living on a low or modest income, who do not receive Pension Credit because they don’t claim it or are not eligible.

“There are millions of older people in this situation and we know that many are hoping against hope that something will turn up to help ease their situation over the next few months, when the weather is at its coldest.

“If you are an older person for whom every penny counts, managing your energy bills until the rise in your State Pension starts coming through from April just got harder.”

The wintry weather has affected education, with more than 114 schools shut in the Highland Council area on Thursday because of snow, including Inverness Royal Academy where pupils were told their prelim exams planned for the day will be rescheduled.

Almost 40 schools in Aberdeenshire were also shut while many others had delayed openings and in Moray around 12 were closed and others opened late.

It comes after more than 100 schools or nurseries were closed in Scotland on Wednesday because of the weather.

South of the border, 89 schools were shut in Devon on Thursday, 18 in Dorset and 60 in Cornwall, while in Wales around 10 were closed in Conwy, 18 in Denbighshire and two in Wrexham.