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'Mini Beast from the East' brings snow and ice to parts of UK 'Mini Beast from the East' brings snow and ice to parts of UK
(about 2 hours later)
Snow and ice has fallen in parts of the UK as a cold snap dubbed the "mini beast from the east" sweeps in.Snow and ice has fallen in parts of the UK as a cold snap dubbed the "mini beast from the east" sweeps in.
Parts of eastern England and Scotland have already seen showers, with more expected in the Midlands and Wales.Parts of eastern England and Scotland have already seen showers, with more expected in the Midlands and Wales.
About 70 flights to and from Heathrow Airport have been cancelled and drivers are warned to take care on the roads.About 70 flights to and from Heathrow Airport have been cancelled and drivers are warned to take care on the roads.
Amber warnings of a possible risk to life affect north-west England, Yorkshire, the Midlands, London and south-east England from the afternoon.Amber warnings of a possible risk to life affect north-west England, Yorkshire, the Midlands, London and south-east England from the afternoon.
Met Office yellow "be aware" warnings are also in place across much of the UK until Sunday.Met Office yellow "be aware" warnings are also in place across much of the UK until Sunday.
Some 1-3cm of snow is expected across large parts of the UK on Saturday, while 5-10cm could fall in the areas with amber warnings and up to 15cm on hills.Some 1-3cm of snow is expected across large parts of the UK on Saturday, while 5-10cm could fall in the areas with amber warnings and up to 15cm on hills.
The lowest temperatures were recorded near Carter Bar on the Scotland-England border, at -2.6C in the early hours.
Temperatures are likely to drop to around freezing and gusts of up to 70mph are expected in northern England and parts of Wales.Temperatures are likely to drop to around freezing and gusts of up to 70mph are expected in northern England and parts of Wales.
The Met Office said: "Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. And some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely."The Met Office said: "Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. And some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely."
Strong winds also mean it could feel as low as -7C or -8C for some, forecasters said.Strong winds also mean it could feel as low as -7C or -8C for some, forecasters said.
The affected Heathrow flights are mostly on short-haul routes, although BA services to New York and Chicago have been disrupted.The affected Heathrow flights are mostly on short-haul routes, although BA services to New York and Chicago have been disrupted.
A BA spokesman said: "During cold weather conditions aircraft have to be de-iced prior to departure to ensure that they are safe, and additional measures are being taken to ensure the safety of our operation is maintained at all times."A BA spokesman said: "During cold weather conditions aircraft have to be de-iced prior to departure to ensure that they are safe, and additional measures are being taken to ensure the safety of our operation is maintained at all times."
Other cancelled flights from Heathrow include services from Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, TAP Air Portugal and KLM.Other cancelled flights from Heathrow include services from Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, TAP Air Portugal and KLM.
However, the airport said it was not expecting further significant disruption.However, the airport said it was not expecting further significant disruption.
Meanwhile, motorists have been advised to avoid trans-Pennine roads where possible.Meanwhile, motorists have been advised to avoid trans-Pennine roads where possible.
Highways England's Richard Leonard said: "Our gritter drivers will be out treating our roads around the clock but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.Highways England's Richard Leonard said: "Our gritter drivers will be out treating our roads around the clock but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.
"Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel if they really need to travel.""Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel if they really need to travel."
Network Rail is running empty trains to help keep the network clear of snow.Network Rail is running empty trains to help keep the network clear of snow.
Snowy weekendSnowy weekend
The Met Office expects snow showers to become more frequent between 16:00 GMT on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday.The Met Office expects snow showers to become more frequent between 16:00 GMT on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday.
Amber warnings are also in place for south Wales and south-west England between 00:05 and 18:00 GMT on Sunday.Amber warnings are also in place for south Wales and south-west England between 00:05 and 18:00 GMT on Sunday.
The low temperatures will continue into the start of the week but are expected to be back around average from Tuesday.The low temperatures will continue into the start of the week but are expected to be back around average from Tuesday.
It comes after a cold spell nicknamed "the Beast from the East" saw much of the UK and Europe blanketed in snow at the start the month.It comes after a cold spell nicknamed "the Beast from the East" saw much of the UK and Europe blanketed in snow at the start the month.
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