This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43236763

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Storm Emma: Blizzards pose 'risk to life' as snow hits UK Storm Emma: Blizzards pose 'risk to life' as snow hits UK
(35 minutes later)
Blizzards are battering the UK causing widespread disruption for a third day, as a second highly unusual red alert for snow comes into effect.Blizzards are battering the UK causing widespread disruption for a third day, as a second highly unusual red alert for snow comes into effect.
The warning, meaning "risk to life", covers the South West and South Wales, which is being hit by Storm Emma.The warning, meaning "risk to life", covers the South West and South Wales, which is being hit by Storm Emma.
More than 300 people have been stranded on a motorway in Scotland in freezing temperatures - some for 20 hours.More than 300 people have been stranded on a motorway in Scotland in freezing temperatures - some for 20 hours.
A woman has been found dead in a snowy street in Leeds, and a man has died in a road crash in Berkshire. A woman has been found dead in a snowy street in Leeds but her death is not being treated as suspicious.
The 46-year-old van driver from Southampton died at the scene after a collision with a lorry in icy conditions on the A34 near Tot Hill services. The 75-year-old was found partially hidden beneath a car in the Farsley area of the city.
Elsewhere in Leeds, a 75-year-old woman's body was found partially hidden beneath a car in the Farsley area of the city, but police said they were not treating the death as suspicious. Elsewhere, a 46-year-old man has died in a road crash after a collision with a lorry in icy conditions on the A34 near Tot Hill services, Berkshire.
Last resort advice
National Grid says there may not be enough gas to meet demand on Thursday in the UK, leading to possible shortages for industrial users.National Grid says there may not be enough gas to meet demand on Thursday in the UK, leading to possible shortages for industrial users.
If suppliers cannot provide more gas, industry, large businesses and gas-fired power stations will be asked to use less but this advice would only be passed on to consumers as a last resort.
Thousands of schools are closed in south Wales, southern England and Scotland.Thousands of schools are closed in south Wales, southern England and Scotland.
A red alert for snow in Scotland - the country's first- has been lifted but an amber alert remains in place.A red alert for snow in Scotland - the country's first- has been lifted but an amber alert remains in place.
Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged people there not to travel, warning they face a "significant risk" of ending up stranded in heavy snow.Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged people there not to travel, warning they face a "significant risk" of ending up stranded in heavy snow.
Blizzards, biting winds and significant travel disruption are also affecting southern, western and central England, parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.Blizzards, biting winds and significant travel disruption are also affecting southern, western and central England, parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
This is the third day of disruption caused by heavy snowfall. This is the third day of disruption caused by heavy snowfall, with reports of "near zero visibility" on some roads in Cumbria.
How have the roads been affected?How have the roads been affected?
John Gent is one of the hundreds of drivers who have been stuck on the M80 since Wednesday evening.John Gent is one of the hundreds of drivers who have been stuck on the M80 since Wednesday evening.
He has spent 15 hours on the gridlocked road near Stirling in freezing conditions.He has spent 15 hours on the gridlocked road near Stirling in freezing conditions.
He said: "I grabbed a few hours sleep here and there, running the car engine to keep warm.He said: "I grabbed a few hours sleep here and there, running the car engine to keep warm.
"Fortunately local people on the neighbouring estates have been bringing over bottles of water and handing out blankets.""Fortunately local people on the neighbouring estates have been bringing over bottles of water and handing out blankets."
He said drivers had been given "very little information" on when the cars could start moving.He said drivers had been given "very little information" on when the cars could start moving.
Earlier, a baby was born in a car in snowy conditions on the A66 at Elton near Stockton in County Durham. The mother and baby have since been taken to hospital.Earlier, a baby was born in a car in snowy conditions on the A66 at Elton near Stockton in County Durham. The mother and baby have since been taken to hospital.
What is happening with the trains?What is happening with the trains?
Across the UK, more than 20 rail operators are running a reduced service.Across the UK, more than 20 rail operators are running a reduced service.
In London, Paddington Station was closed for nearly three hours due to severe weather conditions, and in Kent 50 stations are closed.In London, Paddington Station was closed for nearly three hours due to severe weather conditions, and in Kent 50 stations are closed.
National Rail is reporting mass disruption in the South East, Scotland, north-west England and the South West.National Rail is reporting mass disruption in the South East, Scotland, north-west England and the South West.
How are the airports affected?How are the airports affected?
Airports across Britain are being affected by the cold weather, and the knock-on effect of other terminals across the UK and Europe cancelling flights.Airports across Britain are being affected by the cold weather, and the knock-on effect of other terminals across the UK and Europe cancelling flights.
Are we running out of gas?
National Grid said it may not have enough gas to meet the UK's demand on Thursday, and asked suppliers to provide more.
Use of gas across Britain hit a six-year high on Wednesday, coupled with "significant supply losses". Some pipelines carrying gas from the Netherlands and Belgium have had problems this week.
If suppliers cannot provide more gas, industry, large businesses and gas-fired power stations will be asked to use less.
Consumers will only be asked to use less gas as a last resort if these measures do not work.
What is the forecast?What is the forecast?
The Met Office says the cold weather could last into next week and possibly the following week.The Met Office says the cold weather could last into next week and possibly the following week.
BBC Weather's Ben Rich predicted "blizzard conditions" by Thursday evening across south-west England, Wales and parts of the Midlands.BBC Weather's Ben Rich predicted "blizzard conditions" by Thursday evening across south-west England, Wales and parts of the Midlands.
He said a "biting easterly wind" will make it feel like -11C (12F) in Birmingham and Cardiff - on what is the first day of meteorological spring.He said a "biting easterly wind" will make it feel like -11C (12F) in Birmingham and Cardiff - on what is the first day of meteorological spring.
There is potential for up to 50cm (19.6 inches) of snow over parts of Dartmoor and Exmoor, the Met Office added, with up to 20cm (7.8 inches) falling in southern England, Wales and the West Midlands.There is potential for up to 50cm (19.6 inches) of snow over parts of Dartmoor and Exmoor, the Met Office added, with up to 20cm (7.8 inches) falling in southern England, Wales and the West Midlands.
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.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form belowOr use the form below