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UK weather: Snow causing widespread travel disruption UK weather: Snow causing widespread travel disruption
(about 1 hour later)
Commuters have been warned of major disruption on the road and rail networks after a second day of severe weather across the UK. Severe snow has caused a second day of disruption across the UK with flights and trains cancelled and traffic grinding to a halt on major roads.
The Met Office has issued Scotland's first red snow warning - meaning there is a risk to life and people should take immediate action to keep safe. The worst hit areas were central Scotland - where a red alert for snow is in place - as well as Kent, East Anglia and the north east of England.
Amber warnings are also in place for other parts of the UK including northern and eastern England. In London, a man died after being pulled from a frozen lake.
A man has died trying to rescue a dog from a frozen lake in London. The freezing conditions are forecast to continue on Thursday with the arrival of Storm Emma.
Police said the man, who was in his 60s, was pulled from the water in Danson Park in Welling at about 16:00 GMT. The Met Office red warning - meaning there is a potential risk to life - will remain in place in Scotland until 10:00 GMT on Thursday. Hundreds of schools in the country will stay closed for a second day.
Rail passengers have been warned to avoid travelling to or from Scotland for the rest of Wednesday or Thursday. An amber warning for snow and ice covering other parts of Scotland, northern and eastern England will last until 18:00, with further delays and cancellations expected on public transport expected.
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. Heavy snow is also expected in south west England and Wales from noon on Thursday to 08:00 on Friday.
Meanwhile, Public Health England (PHE) has urged people to plan ahead to ensure they have enough food and medicine. Public Health England (PHE) has urged people to plan ahead to ensure they have enough food and medicine.
The Met Office forecast warned: "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 on Thursday while in Kent 50 stations will be closed.
"Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel are expected [and] some communities could become cut off for several days." Almost all operators have been affected by the conditions on Wednesday, with numerous cancellations and delays.
A 16-vehicle collision has closed the A1 in Nottinghamshire with some motorists having been stranded there since 11:30 GMT. Several are planning to run amended timetables on Thursday with passengers being urged to check before they travel.
The RAC said where driving was necessary motorists should stick to the main routes. Police have asked motorists to avoid travelling while the RAC said where driving is necessary, travel should be kept to the main roads.
The worst affected areas in England have been Kent, East Anglia and north-east England, and problems are continuing. Many of the country's main roads saw major disruption with several parts of the A1 closed at various times.
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. One crash in Nottinghamshire involved 16 vehicles, including five lorries, with one motorist claiming he had been stuck on the road since 11:30.
Schools in Wales are set to close until next week while more than 2,624 schools in England and 1,600 in Scotland have been shut, with the expectation that many will remain shut tomorrow. British Airways cancelled hundreds of short-haul flights from Heathrow, and London City Airport also cancelled many services.
Rural communities have also been warned they could be cut off by power outages and mobile phone signal failures. Glasgow Airport closed while almost all flights from Edinburgh were stopped.
In other travel developments: More than 2,624 schools in England and 1,600 in Scotland were closed, while schools in some areas of Wales will not reopen until Monday.
What is a red weather warning? Other incidents included:
The Met Office red warning covers Scotland's central belt - from Edinburgh to Glasgow - from 15:00 GMT until 10:00 on Thursday.
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, for example avoid travelling wherever necessary or staying indoors.
The red snow alert is only the second ever issued by the Met Office - with the first covering Wales in 2013.
Other incidents include:
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 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.
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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