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UK weather: Warning upgraded to red as heavy snow hits UK UK weather: Warning upgraded to red as heavy snow hits UK
(35 minutes later)
Scotland's first ever red snow warning has come into force as severe weather causes major disruption across swathes of the UK for a second day.Scotland's first ever red snow warning has come into force as severe weather causes major disruption across swathes of the UK for a second day.
The Met Office alert means a risk to life is likely and urges people to "take action now" to keep safe.The Met Office alert means a risk to life is likely and urges people to "take action now" to keep safe.
Amber warnings are also in place for other parts of Scotland, northern and eastern England and the East Midlands.Amber warnings are also in place for other parts of Scotland, northern and eastern England and the East Midlands.
Thousands of schools have been closed, and there is major disruption on roads, the rail network and at airports. There is major disruption on roads, the rail network and at airports, and thousands of schools have been closed.
The red alert covers Scotland's central belt - from Edinburgh to Glasgow - from 15:00 GMT until 10:00 on Thursday.The red alert covers Scotland's central belt - from Edinburgh to Glasgow - from 15:00 GMT until 10:00 on Thursday.
The forecast from the Met Office, which lasts until 10:00 on Thursday, said: "Roads will become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers. Rail passengers have been warned to avoid travelling to or from Scotland for the rest of Wednesday or Thursday.
On the rest of the rail network, almost all operators have been affected by the conditions, with numerous cancellations and delays. About 50 rail stations in Kent will be closed on Thursday.
The Met Office forecast warned: "Roads will become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers.
"Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel are expected [and] some communities could become cut off for several days.""Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel are expected [and] some communities could become cut off for several days."
It comes as numerous police forces across the UK urged people not to drive. Large sections of major routes were closed with motorists stranded in treacherous conditions. Police forces across the UK have urged people not to drive as large sections of major routes have been closed.
The worst affected areas have been Kent, East Anglia and north-east England, but problems are continuing. The worst affected areas in England have been Kent, East Anglia and north-east England, and problems are continuing.
Meanwhile airports including London City, Glasgow and Newcastle suspended flights, and more than 100 flights at Heathrow were cancelled. Meanwhile, all flights to and from Glasgow have been cancelled for the rest of the day while more than 100 flights at Heathrow were dropped and services at London City were also suspended.
On the rail network, almost all operators have been affected by the conditions. The West Coast Main Line is closed between Carlisle and Scotland with no trains or replacement buses.
More than 2,624 schools in England and 1,600 in Scotland have been closed, with the expectation that many will remain shut tomorrow.More than 2,624 schools in England and 1,600 in Scotland have been closed, with the expectation that many will remain shut tomorrow.
Rural communities have also been warned they could be cut off by power outages and mobile phone signal failures.Rural communities have also been warned they could be cut off by power outages and mobile phone signal failures.
In other travel developments:In other travel developments:
What is a red weather warning?What is a red weather warning?
The Met Office issues a red warning when it is forecasting extreme weather which is likely to pose a risk to life and cause widespread disruption, travel troubles and damage.The Met Office issues a red warning when it is forecasting extreme weather which is likely to pose a risk to life and cause widespread disruption, travel troubles and damage.
It is the strongest warning that can be issued and, according to BBC meteorologist Matt Taylor, is "exceptionally rare" and means people should take action immediately.It is the strongest warning that can be issued and, according to BBC meteorologist Matt Taylor, is "exceptionally rare" and means people should take action immediately.
The red snow alert is only the second ever issued by the Met Office - with the first covering Wales in 2013.The red snow alert is only the second ever issued by the Met Office - with the first covering Wales in 2013.
Other incidents include:Other incidents include:
The Met Office has predicted up to 10cm (4in) of snow for parts of Scotland and the north of England by Thursday evening - although it could be as much as 40cm (15in) over hills. The Met Office has predicted up to 10cm (4in) of snow for parts of Scotland and northern England by Thursday evening - although it could be as much as 40cm (15in) over hills, while 15cm (6in) is forecast for parts of eastern England and up to 20cm (8in) in the south, Wales and West Midlands.
The East Midlands, the east and Yorkshire and Humber are also expected to see up to 15cm (6in) of snow by Wednesday afternoon.
Up to 20cm of snow (8in) will fall across the south of England, Wales and the West Midlands on Thursday and Friday - reaching 50cm (20in) over parts of Dartmoor and Exmoor.
From Thursday, the Siberian system is set to meet with Storm Emma, with forecasters predicting more snow, gales and sleet.From Thursday, the Siberian system is set to meet with Storm Emma, with forecasters predicting more snow, gales and sleet.
How has the cold weather affected you? Share your pictures, video and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.How has the cold weather affected you? Share your pictures, video and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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