
Britain is braced for several more days of travel chaos in the wake of the final blasts from the Beast from the East and Storm Emma.

Last night, forecasters said the UK is 'not out of the woods yet' as the snow across the country starts to melt and turn into deadly black ice.

Yellow weather warnings are in place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this morning, with 53 areas told to prepare for flooding in light of thawing snow.

After yesterday's snow, high winds and bilzzards closed off huge swathes of the UK transport network, this weekend rail operators are desperately trying to repair trains damaged in the chaos.

The RAC has urged people not to drive unless absolutely necessary with 'death trap' icy spots covering Britain's roads. Around 200 drivers were still stranded on the M62 overnight after huge snow drifts and up to 90mph winds hit areas like Rochdale.

Families in Devon have been told to evacuate or board up their homes to protect themselves from fierce regional winds of 50mph brought by Storm Emma.

Snow is still expected to fall in Dartmouth and Exeter, while in London conditions are set to improve after 11am, with highs of 5C are expected.

A digger drops grit in Birmingham, West Midlands, overnight as the worst snow storms since 1991 swept across the UK, which is now bracing for the possibility of floods

A snowdrift blocks a lane on Solsbury Hill just outside Bath in Somerset after heavy snowfall overnight courtesy of Storm Emma yesterday

Shelves were left bare at this supermarket in Glasgow as many deliveries were unable to reach their destinations during the extreme weather last night

A couple walk hand-in-hand through Green Park in London with snow still on the ground in the capital yesterday. Hospitals cancelled operations and doctors are battling to visit vulnerable patients as the NHS struggles to deal with the fallout from the conditions, while ambulance services are begging the public to help with their 4x4s

Commuters were spotted trapped on a train in Lewisham (left) that was headed for Bromley as passengers broke out onto the tracks in frustration (right)

The lions of Trafalgar Square in London are covered in white powder as sub-zero temperatures continue to prevail in the capital and elsewhere

Pedestrians walk through the snow in severe weather conditions as a blizzard hits the City of London on Friday afternoon

The Met Office has issued multiple severe weather warnings covering today (left), tomorrow (right)

Both Devon and Cornwall are at risk of flooding as western regions expect winds of up to 50mph, dropping to between 35mph and 40mph later today as the country recovers from the worst snow storms since 1991.

Rain and sleet are forecast to hit most parts of the UK not affected by snow, which is also set to fall in Dartmouth and Exeter. Conditions in the capital will improve after 11am, when highs of 5C are expected.

Fog is also causing problems at UK airports, with passengers advised to check their flight status before they leave home. Thick fog was pictured at Heathrow this morning.

Last night commuters were furiously struggling to get home after London Waterloo and Charing Cross closed early and major disruptions hit London Bridge due to a final blast of blizzards and ice from Storm Emma and the 'Beast from the East'.

Rail bosses confirmed Waterloo's closure citing ice frozen onto conductor rails today as Southern Rail, which runs services to Sussex, urged passengers to complete their journey before 3pm and while London Waterloo closed at 8pm and Southeastern announced on Twitter that Charing Cross 'effectively closed' at 8.30pm.

Thick fog is also causing problems at airports across the UK, with Heathrow planes (pictured) battling to land safely

People hoping to escape the Beast from the East with a trip abroad this weekend are being advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. A British Airways plane is pictured coming into land in thick fog at Heathrow this morning

As Storm Emma looms across the UK thick fog set in. Pictured are planes coming into land at Heathrow Aiport, west London

People took to social media to share their outrage at the capital's 'c***' service, branding rail providers a 'joke', with Twitter user @ammflyer claiming the situation at Waterloo was 'a farce' and saying its announced closure was 'ridiculous' as passengers reported being stuck on a train outside London Bridge for more than three hours.

A commuter trapped on the train outside London Bridge told MailOnline passengers were treated in an 'inhumane' way and left with just one working toilet as the stations was forced to power down electricity when people broke out onto the tracks.

Passengers also burst out of train doors to rampage on tracks at Lewisham Station after they were 'stranded' for 'two hours'. One was said to have pressed an emergency button and jumped out onto the tracks, before others followed in scenes that mirrored track trespassing at St Johns in south-east London.

Southeastern Railway said 'several people are jumping off trains onto the tracks' and worsening the situation as the operator requested police assistance. The rail operator added: 'Please remain on the trains - we'll be able to get you moving again far quicker if you do.'

Today will bring more frustration for rail users as a Met Office yellow warning remains in place and between 5-10cm of additional snow is expected in parts of the UK, with the railway between Dawlish to Dawlish Warren in Devon set to be closed for up to 36 hours.

Today, Southern Rail, which runs services to Sussex, urged passengers to complete their journey before 3pm - while London Waterloo closed at 8pm as services on South Western Railway wind down from 6pm. Pictured: Commuters line the platform at London Bridge

Commuters at Waterloo Station in Central London as train companies have cancelled some services from the station due to the weather

Commuters at London Bridge were confronted with a sign proclaiming a 'SNOWMAGEDDON' had hit the capital as rail users were left struggling to get home

Commuters stood outside London Euston station, which was evacuated this evening as the country battles adverse weather. Writing on Twitter, passengers said there had been reports of a fire at the station

Commuters took to the tracks in Lewisham as people were left furious at rail company performance in light of the adverse weather conditions

Icicles hang from the fountains in Trafalgar Square, in central London, as Storm Emma continues to batter the nation

Speaking to MailOnline, a 'very angry, cold and frustrated train customer' said a train was still stranded outside London Bridge at 8pm yesterday after first getting stuck at 5.55pm. Passengers jumped onto the tracks in anger, forcing the station to power down electricity.

'It's cold and there's only one toilet working on the train,' the passenger said. 'This is just the worst treatment and an absolutely inhumane way of treating human beings.'

There were fears of major problems at London Euston last night - which was evacuated after a small fire - as well as Paddington station as the weather deteriorates. Commuters using those stations as well as King's Cross and Liverpool Street were urged to head home as soon as possible - even if it meant cutting short their working day.

Isabella Light said she was stuck on a train with no power 10 hours after she left London Waterloo for Weymouth yesterday after 50 people were stranded on board another train from the London station to Dorset for 15 hours.

Hundreds of drivers and train passengers were left stranded overnight as extreme weather continued to wreak havoc with roads brought to a standstill by blizzards.

On the M62 on Thursday thousands were stranded in their vehicles overnight, as gales reached 90mph over the Rakewood Viaduct, Rochdale. The Army was drafted in to save people, but around 200 were still believed to be trapped last night, after road authorities closed the motorway 'indefinitely'.

Eight vehicles crashed on the A38 westbound in Devon as drivers struggled to battle through the adverse weather conditions, according to Highways England.

Hospitals cancelled operations, with doctors still battling to visit vulnerable patients, as the NHS struggles to deal with the fallout from the conditions. Ambulance services are begging the public to help with their 4x4s.

Some 4,000 properties in Wales and South West England were left without power this morning, along with 5,000 in Derbyshire - while Kent Police received an astonishing 100 calls to crashes in the space of just 30 minutes.

Fifteen flood warnings are in place across the UK with 38 further alerts, including one for the River Thames in London between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir.

Two police forces declared 'major incidents' yesterday. The South Central Ambulance Service appealed for help from 4x4 owners to move its staff. That comes as:

Roads and railways have been rendered impassable by the coldest start to March on record;

The Army was called in as part of a major rescue operation to reach motorists trapped on roads;

Freezing rain and snow is sweeping across the UK throughout today as communities remain cut off;

Five commuter trains were stuck on frozen tracks throughout the night for more than 15 hours;

Half a metre of snow was measured in two areas and strengthening winds are still causing blizzards

South West England has been particularly badly hit after facing an unprecedented Met Office red warning for snow, with Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust declaring an 'internal critical incident' yesterday.

Officials at the trust have postponed all outpatient and planned routine surgery and diagnostic appointments, and prioritised all available staff to emergency services as they paid to tribute to their 'outstanding' team.

People were seen jumping on the tracks at St Johns in south-east London tonight in scenes similar to those at Lewisham and London Bridge

Commuters at London Bridge Station faced heading home in the freezing cold after being told to leave work after heavy snow in the capital

Brits told to leave work IMMEDIATELY!!! Brits told to leave work IMMEDIATELY!!! Full story: http://dailym.ai/2FjXDFa Posted by Daily Mail on Friday, 2 March 2018

The red weather warning remained in place as extreme conditions swept across Britain. Two of the UK's biggest commuter rail firms warned commuters to return home as 'early as possible'. Pictured: Commuters at London Bridge

Seven flood warnings (in red) have been issued across the South West and North East telling people to take 'immediate action', as well as 20 alerts (in orange) - including one for the River Thames between Putney and Teddington in London Met Office confirms snow will continue to fall during the day

Commuters - desperate to get home - crammed themselves onto trains after being warned to head home early from work

Drivers were seen struggling to push their cars through snow during a blizzard in Dublin tonight as Ireland also suffered freezing temperatures

Philip Brown who endured more than 15 hours on a train with 50 people on board which became stuck overnight in the snow

London Underground trains powered through the snow this evening in North West London as other stations in the capital announced they were closing

Eight cars reportedly crashed on the A38 this afternoon with a forty-car pile-up hitting the road in Devon yesterday afternoon

A man walks through snowy Green Park today as heavy snow bore down on the capital, sparking fears for commuters and rail firms about services

London Waterloo, the UK's busiest train station, closed at 8pm yesterday as services on South Western Railway wind down

Travel disruption hits Waterloo station in London as the country continues to battle Storm Emma's onslaught and commuters attempt their journeys home

An aerial view of a snow covered Cramlington in Northumberland on Friday as the severe weather conditions continue

A woman pushes a pram across Portobello Road in Notting Hill, West London, during snowy weather on Friday

Snow falls on people as they walk through Trafalgar Square in London. Heavy snow fall and sub-zero temperatures have hit Britain with more heavy snow expected in the coming days

Two men and a woman in their winter coats walk through the snow on Friday afternoon as a blizzard hits Central London

A woman walks through the snow as Central London is hit by snow yesterday, with the severe weather continuing to hit

The Severn Bridge is empty of cars and down to one lane in both directions as snow continues to fall in South Wales

Motorists dig out a car which drove into a snow drift blocking a road in Teesdale, County Durham, on Friday morning

A DFDS ferry navigates the choppy waters of the North Sea in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, on Friday afternoon

This car is going nowhere in Tower Hamlets, East London, after being turned into a block of ice by a burst water pipe

The wreckage of a bus and van which collided early this morning in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, is pictured

Mass devastation at Holyhead Marina in North Wales where up to 60 boats have been wrecked after the storm hit overnight

The plunge pool of England's highest waterfall High Force in Teesdale, County Durham, is frozen for the first time since 1929

Holidaymakers left stranded by weather have been refused refunds by Premier Inn. Alex Matthews, 29, from Kent, was due to stay two nights in the chain's Lauriston Place hotel in Edinburgh with his girlfriend this weekend.

But adverse weather saw all trains cancelled. When Mr Matthews tried to re-book or ask for a refund, staff said he could have neither - leaving him more than £170 out of pocket.

Mr Matthews fumed: 'I was hoping Premier Inn would show some empathy considering the horrific weather is completely out of customers' control.

'However, they have refused to be flexible and simply offered to check me in, which is obviously pointless, or cancel my booking. I think it's disgracefully unfair and I won't be using them ever again.'

Weather cancels more than 1,250 flights to or from UK & Irish airports More than 1,250 flights to or from UK and Irish airports were cancelled yesterday. Here are the airports that had the most cancellations: London Heathrow : 358

: 358 Dublin : 338

: 338 Edinburgh : 120

: 120 Glasgow International : 77

: 77 Bristol : 62

: 62 London City : 54

: 54 Manchester : 40

: 40 London Gatwick : 38

: 38 Cork : 38

: 38 Birmingham : 34 Advertisement

The Met Office has two weather warnings in place covering almost the entire country today - one for ice, stretching across the south of England, Wales and Northern Ireland - and the other for snow, warning northern England and Scotland to prepare for more powder.

Snow depths reached half a metre (1ft 8in) in Drumalbin, Lanarkshire and St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. Around 40cm (1ft 4in) of snow was measured in Bishopton, Renfrewshire and Spadeadam, Cumbria.

Passengers were stranded overnight on the 5.30pm South Western Railway service from London Waterloo to Poole in Dorset last night at Brockenhurst in the New Forest on a train that allegedly had no heating.

Hampshire Police said it had called in the military to help evacuate people from the A31, while Avon and Somerset Constabulary said about 100 vehicles had become stuck on the A303 at Ilminster.

Dave Webb, 37, from Wakefield, told how he had been on the motorway for ten hours.

'We came to a halt at about 5.30pm last night and have been here since,' he said. 'There hasn't been any snow since about 6.30pm but the wind is pretty strong and gusting.'

Seven flood warnings (in red) have been issued across the South West and North East telling people to take 'immediate action', as well as 20 alerts (in orange) - including one for the River Thames between Putney and Teddington in London

A woman slips while carrying shopping in the snow this morning on Main Street in Alexandria, West Dumbartonshire

An aerial view of snow-covered houses at Crewkerne in Somerset today which has been left covered in snow

Snow drifts around Leamington Spa in Warwickshire where many commuters have chosen to stay home today

Cars and lorries on AI looking northbound between Morpeth and Alnwick as the severe weather conditions continue today

Snow drifts around the Kent village of Harvel have completely blocked the area, with rescue vehicles unable to get in

Three men have a snow fight outside the Bank of England in London today as the capital faces severe weather conditions

A man digs a car out of a snow drift in Penarth, near Cardiff, as the UK continues to be hit by severe weather conditions

Cars buried in snow in Naas County Kildare, as the severe weather conditions continue today in the Republic of Ireland

Brynmawr, a market town in Blaenau Gwent, South Wales, has been left with an extraordinary covering of snow overnight

Joe Butterfield looks at his car covered in snow in County Durham this morning as the severe weather continues

Eleanor Kelly, 19, said local residents in Milnrow, Rochdale, had been taking hot drinks, food and blankets to those stuck on the carriageway - including to a father with a baby and toddler in the car.

UK travel: Which routes are still affected by the severe weather? Commuters are facing another day of disruption as the weather continues to cripple the UK and Ireland's travel networks. Several roads remain impassable and have been closed, and drivers have been warned not to travel unless absolutely essential. Train services and flights have also been affected. Here are some of the latest reported issues: Roads A303 in Devon closed between A30 and A358, with police declaring a 'major incident' due to stranded vehicles.

A38 in Devon shut, between A379 and A380

Two collisions close M2 eastbound in Kent, between J3 and J4

A46 in Gloucestershire shut between A4 and M4

In Warwickshire, lorry crash closes M40 southbound from J14 to 12

M62 closed between J24 and J21 in North West, as well as surrounding roads; the A62, A618 and A66

A1 closed in North East between A192 and the Scottish border

A19 in County Durham shut near Hartlepool due to 'incidents'

A68 shut southbound after Jedburgh in Scotland

A9000 Forth Road Bridge closed in both directions Trains All cross-border trains between England and Scotland suspended.

West Coast Main Line is closed between Carlisle and Scotland, with no trains or replacement buses.

Virgin Trains East Coast is pleading with passengers 'not to travel' on the entire East Coast Main Line between London and Scotland.

No trains will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh today.

ScotRail said train lines will need to be tested today to check if they are safe, affecting morning peak trains.

Southeastern will continue to run a modified timetable today Flights

London Heathrow Airport will see at least 322 departing or arriving flights cancelled, representing a quarter of all scheduled services

Dublin Airport will see at least 331 cancellations today

95 planned Edinburgh Airport services will not operate.

67 cancellations at Glasgow Airport today, after it was closed on Wednesday and yesterday.

5,000 flights have been cancelled to or from European airports since Tuesday, meaning many UK travellers are now stranded abroad. Advertisement

She said: 'We've been trying to get to as many people as we can in about a mile radius from where we can get to the carriageway.'

The local community centre, Butterworth Hall, was also opened to provide refuge for stranded motorists overnight.

But Rochdale Council tweeted: 'Heard reports someone in a grey Transit-type van is trying to cash-in on people stranded in traffic near the M62 motorway by selling cups of tea for £1.

'Please be aware these are not council staff and we (and volunteers) are handing out drinks for free where we are able to.'

Thames Valley Police's roads policing unit said they had received reports of multiple collisions on the M40 between junctions 3 and 2, and warned of delays.

The military has helped police rescue hundreds of motorists stranded by heavy snow on the A31 in Hampshire. Police declared a 'major incident' after the major route connecting Hampshire and Dorset through the New Forest became impassable in both directions.

Rest centres were set up for those stuck and food and drink brought to those unable to leave their vehicles.

Ryan Butler posted on Twitter: 'You're all doing an amazing job... took me best part of 9 hours from Cadnam to Bournemouth but home safe and sound now. Thank you for all your hard work.'

Chels wrote: 'Locals coming to assist with snacks and hot drinks! Troopers in these conditions.' The road was declared open again just before 6am today but police urged motorists to avoid the area.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: 'The A31 is moving again now but we would urge drivers to avoid that area while we seek to clear the trapped traffic and recover the abandoned vehicles.

'An amber weather warning for snow, freezing rain and high winds is still in place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight so once again, we advise against all essential travel.'

Those stuck on the road have been urged to call 101 if they have a medical condition or are running out of fuel, or to call 999 in an emergency.

Prime Minister Theresa May has thanked the emergency services and hospital staff for their work as cold weather brought some parts of the country to a standstill over night.

'In the current bad weather, I want say thank you to everyone going the extra mile to keep our country moving - and to keep us safe,' the Prime Minister posted on Twitter.

'Thank you to NHS staff and care workers, the police and the armed forces, and all those working to keep our vital public services going.'

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling described the weather as 'exceptional circumstances' for the UK and said that people stranded on roads and trains had had a 'tough night'.

He told Sky News: 'In the case of the train on the south coast - we need to do everything we can to resolve that situation as quickly as possible.

'This is particularly unusual weather, it's something that happens very rarely in this country.'

He added that there is a 'huge' stockpile of salt and that gritters have been out across the UK's roads.

Drivers have reported being stuck for 17 hours on the A303 between Ilminster in Somerset and Mere in Wiltshire.

Over 100 cars and lorries were trapped on the stretch of road overnight due to a gritter getting stuck in the snow after it 'slid sideways', one driver said. Thomas Hamilton, a 36-year-old sales director, was heading from his home in London to a friend's farm when he got caught in the queue.

'I left London at 6pm. We came to a standstill at the start of the A303 around midnight. There were lorries and cars in both lanes trying to get up the hill. We drove past a burned-out car, then we didn't move until 9:30am.'

One woman decided against wrapping up warm when she went for a jog at Richmond Park in South West London today

An aerial view of a snow covered Morpeth in Northumberland as the severe weather conditions continue today

Members of the public make their way through the deep snow today that has fallen in Alexandria, West Dumbartonshire

Devon County Council tweeted this picture of a gritter on its side on the A379 on Labrador Bends near Shaldon today

Snow on Bournemouth beach in Dorset today, as walkers still made their way along the sand

Shire horses in the snow today at Slate Meadow in Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire

A closed section of the M62 near Kirklees, West Yorkshire, as the severe weather conditions continue to cause travel chaos

Boats have been destroyed at Holyhead Marine in North Wales today after strong winds hit the country overnight

Holyhead Marina was a scene of devastation this morning after strong winds caused extensive damage to the boats

Motorists dig out a car which drove into a snow drift blocking a road in Teesdale, County Durham, this morning

Snow falls on St Paul's Cathedral and the City of London, creating a white landscape across the city today

Joe Butterfield of the High Force Hotel wades through deep snow blocking the entrance to his County Durham business today

A woman braves the cold to swim at Parliament Lido in North London today despite the freezing conditions

Members of the Household Cavalry trot through Horse Guards Parade during cold weather in London today

Landlord Angus Wharton clears snow outside the Ye Olde Black Ladd pub today in Shaw, Greater Manchester

Heavy snowfall overnight has left the Derbyshire countryside under more than a foot of the white stuff in places today

Mr Hamilton, who was stuck only 10 miles from his destination, said he moved for the first time in hours this morning after 'a soldier got out in a hi-vis jacket with another good Samaritan and moved lorries'.

Panicked mother only found out her daughter had flipped her car on a treacherous road after police tweeted a grinning SELFIE in front of the wreck A mother only found out her daughter had flipped her car on a treacherous road after police tweeted a grinning selfie in front of the crash site. The two officers from Salisbury Police, which is part of Wiltshire Police, were pictured in front of an overturned car on a snowy road. The two officers from Salisbury Police were pictured in front of an overturned car The image was captioned: 'Some photos just don't need any words. Many warnings to drive safely today and thankfully nobody hurt in this incident.' But Georgia Oak replied: 'It's my car and yes I am OK. But this is how my mum found out I was in a crash. I really appreciate how they helped and how quick they were to be there.' Georgia Oak said the Facebook post was 'how my mum found out I was in a crash' In response, the force said: 'I’m sorry you Mum found out this way, but we were careful to not identify you or your car in this post and emphasise that nobody was hurt. Cars can be replaced: people can’t. 'As you will understand, the photo was not taken until they had dealt with the emergency and has been used to highlight the dangers on the roads in these conditions. 'The post has helped circulate the message of safety quickly - social media used positively to get the message out. If it prevents someone getting hurt in similar circumstances then it was worth it. I hope you get the support from your insurance and are safely back on the road soon.' And Ms Oak then added: 'Thank you for your response. She was just shocked. Thank you for your help and being there so quickly.' But Lou-lou Jonesy also replied to the initial post, saying: 'For most people it would be very inappropriate to take selfies at work. Why do police feel the need to constantly take photos of themselves?' She added: 'The message just tells us that Police on duty are taking selfies. A pic of the car would have been enough. So glad the young lady is safe.' Kev Smith added: 'Attention seeking?!' - and the force replied: 'Attention seeking? Yes, its about the message and not the people.' Kath Spreadbury defended the force, saying: 'Can our police do nothing right? They're dammed if they help and their dammed if they don't. Just let them do their job and stop criticising, you may need them yourself one day.' Advertisement

Wiltshire Council has described the traffic as a 'major incident' and urged people not to travel in the area.

Avon and Somerset Police say there are 20 significant incidents across the force area, with people stranded in snow drifts.

Police are 'as a matter of urgency' rescuing people from two vehicles, one on Dunkery Beacon in west Somerset and one at Burrington Combe in north Somerset.

The force, along with partner agencies, is also continuing to help motorists stranded on the A303, including a bus.

Around 40 people travelling from London were stuck overnight, including a baby, people requiring medication, elderly and vulnerable people.

Butlins has confirmed that the UK Open darts competition this weekend in Minehead will be closed to the public, police said.

The military has also been brought in to assist clearing traffic as the motorway remains closed from junction 20 at Rochdale to junction 24 at Huddersfield.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: 'The strong winds will continue throughout the day and we ask that you don't travel unless it is essential. We are aware of drivers in the surrounding area who have been stranded for some hours due to snow and wind.

'The military have been deployed to support us and our partners in our efforts to clear the roads and get people to safety. We are filtering traffic off the M62 at junction 20 and diversions are in place although traffic is severely congested.'

Police say wind speeds over the Rakewood Viaduct in Greater Manchester have reached 90mph.

The North West Motorway Police tweeted: 'J21-22 M62 the wind speeds over Rakewood are 90mph that is the reason vehicles cannot continue as it would be a risk to life.'

Assistant Chief Constable Robert Potts, of Greater Manchester Police, told reporters that at one point some 3,500 vehicles were stuck on the M62 last night. Some 200 vehicles remained there overnight before they were brought off the motorway this morning, he added.

A number of crashes after been reported on the M20 in Kent after the fire service warned of 'black ice' on the carriageways.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said they were in attendance at two collisions - one between junctions seven and eight involving six vehicles and another between junctions three and four involving eight vehicles, in which a vehicle caught fire.

One driver who did not wish to be named said they had witnessed three crashes on the road in a short space of time, and saw a number of cars that appeared to have skidded on the road.

Efforts to keep Devon's roads clear of ice were hampered when a gritter overturned on the A379 on Labrador Bends near Shaldon.

Devon County Council posted a photograph of the scene on Twitter, stating: 'It's still really icy out there!' It added: 'Fortunately everyone unharmed but we're a gritter down until it can be recovered.'

A Network Rail spokesman said: 'Owing to the continued extreme weather conditions we are asking people not to travel across the South Western Railway network today unless absolutely essential.

'Services across the route will also be stopping early this evening.

'We thank passengers for their patience as we manage these extreme conditions and anyone who has to travel today should check National Rail and South Western Railway websites.'

Rail passengers were trapped in frosty carriages overnight after a broken-down train caused tailbacks on the rest of the tracks.

South Western Railway wrote on Twitter that a service had got into trouble near Christchurch, Dorset, requiring a 'rescue train' to be sent to it.

Commuters reported being stranded in carriages with failing electricity and fluctuating temperatures.

Shane White was stuck on the 4.30pm service from Cardiff to Bournemouth until shortly before 8am this morning.

He wrote on Twitter: 'All sorts of problem all due to ice and snowy, apparently one train near Christchurch has welded itself to the track trying to move, obviously very high voltage going through these lines, but little current flow due to the ice build up.

'They have been trying all night to come up with a solution but trains have ran out of battery power etc, there was some rain that has frozen points and other electrical connections, with all the roads block and vehicle snowed in there is no road transport available.'

Other services which were stuck overnight reportedly included an early evening train from London Waterloo to Weymouth, which ground to a halt outside New Milton.

South Western Railway passenger 'Ian R', who caught the 8.30pm train from Woking in Surrey to Bournemouth in Dorset, suffered horrendous overnight delays after expecting a journey time of an hour and a half.

David Webb (left) and his wife Louise Bath, from Edinburgh, ski around St Margaret's Loch in Holyrood Park today

Further snowfall covers the landscape in Little Venice, West London, today as the UK is hit by extreme weather conditions

A woman carries her shopping on sledges in Larbert, near Falkirk, as roads and railways have been rendered impassable

Firefighters help the occupants of a home after they dug their way into a property in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, today

People were stranded on the 5.30pm South Western Railway service from London Waterloo to Poole in Dorset last night

Snow on Bournemouth beach in Dorset, as the severe weather conditions continue for most of the country today

People push a car stuck in a snow drift on the A904 between Newton and South Queensferry in West Lothian this morning

People walk through Horse Guards Parade in London today, with the London Eye visible in the background

Snowdrifts caused by strong winds reach up to 3ft high in Penarth, near Cardiff, this morning amid the severe weather

Giant waves crash over Souter Lighthouse at South Shields in Tynemouth on the North East coast of England today

Two snow plough drivers rescued of two pregnant ewes spotted buried up to their eyes in snow in Teesdale, County Durham

A car almost fully submerged by a snow drift near Forest-in-Teesdale in County Durham this morning

Canal boats are frozen into position in Birmingham's canal system as snowy conditions continue around the country today

He told MailOnline at 6am: 'Outside Southampton informed of broken down train causing a delay. Arrived in Southampton Station to await instructions from their control centre if it was safe to proceed.

Military called in to help hospitals and medics in bad weather The military has been drafted to help hospitals and medics in the Midlands and West Country. Devon and Cornwall NHS and Shropshire NHS have both asked for assistance, which began at 6am today. The Army has sent 10 4x4 vehicles and 20 troops to Shropshire while the Royal Marines have deployed the same resources in Devon and Cornwall. The military has also been brought in to assist clearing traffic from the M62 in Greater Manchester as the motorway remains closed from junction 20 at Rochdale to junction 24 at Huddersfield. An Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'The MoD helps in cases of extreme weather when we receive a request from our civilian authority colleagues. 'There are three UK standby battalions held at high readiness to respond to UK contingencies and emergencies, including support to local authorities. 'We have the right people with the right training to respond to a range of contingencies.' Advertisement

'Since then the exasperated driver apologises for delay as he is unable to contact the control centre. They are not answering the phones. He has done a good job but let down like us all.

'We have now been stopped for eight hours and no deep snow or heavy frost or anything. We understand at least three trains are involved. One of which is now attached to our train.'

He added that the driver 'arranged limited supplies of water in the night and a short while ago offer of free hot drink was made; nothing about food'.

Another South Western Railway passenger, Danielle Bennett, got in touch with MailOnline at 1.30am this morning to say she started her journey from London to Poole at 7pm last night – and was stuck at Southampton.

She said: '8pm coach from Victoria coach station was cancelled. Managed to get a train ticket from Clapham junction to Poole for the 9.12pm train... got the delayed 7.12pm train at 9.05pm, got kicked off at Southampton central at 10.45pm and we were told to change to platform one.

'Two and a half hours later we are still sat on the track at Southampton Central with no updates and no food trolley with drinks etc being supplied to all the stranded people!

'I've seen a guard twice in the two and a half hours of being here, there were no staff on the platform or service desk, and as there were no updates on the situation, I had to go and search for someone to ask.

'At this rate it looks like we're going to be here until sunrise. South Western Railway are not dealing with the situation well at all! No staff on hand, no food or drinks being offered, and no preparation has been made when they knew this weather was coming! The majority of Europe seem to be able to manage these weather conditions, why is it so hard for the UK?! It's embarrassing!'

Passenger Paula Baker told ITV's Good Morning Britain that she had been stuck on South Western Railways train for 15 hours, trying to get to Weymouth in Dorset.

She said: 'It normally takes two hours and I was going to be getting off at Weymouth and we literally ground to a halt with no heating. We've still not got heating. It's daylight now and that's the light we've got on the carriage and there's about 55 passengers on the train.

Shouri the Amur tiger felt right at home in the freezing snow at the Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire today

Shire horses in the snow in Slate Meadow in Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire, today

Spot the hippo appears to be out of his comfort zone at the Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire today

Summerhill Force in Teesdale, County Durham, is a cascade of icicles this morning as the bitter weather continues

Snow drifts around Leamington Spa in Warwickshire today where many commuters have chosen to stay at home

People sled in the snow at Farnborough in Hampshire today as the Met Office issued more weather warnings

People carry snowboards in Clifton, Bristol, this morning where a blanket of snow has covered the city overnight

The streets are deserted and shops and businesses remain closed on Eastern Avenue in Cardiff this morning

Children sledge on Hampstead Heath in North West London today as many youngsters make the most of the snow

Traffic queuing to leave the M62 motorway in Greater Manchester today ahead of junction 24 after the road was closed

Traffic queues in the snow in Cornwall overnight as drivers battle to get through the severe weather hitting Britain

'We've had no toilet facilities, no heating and no information for 13 odd hours. We've had passengers threatening to walk off the train. The driver locked himself in his carriage. The guard keeps coming out to apologise but we've had no information about what's going on.

Weather warnings for Britain until Monday TODAY Amber ('be prepared') Snow for Scotland and Northern Ireland (0.05am-10am)

Wind and snow for South West England and South Wales (0.05am-8am) Yellow ('be aware') Wind for North West England (0.05am-12pm)

Snow for Scotland (0.05am-23.55pm)

Snow and ice for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (0.05am-23.55pm) TOMORROW Yellow ('be aware') Snow for Scotland and Northern England (0.05am-23.55pm)

Ice for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (0.05am-9am) SUNDAY Yellow ('be aware') Snow and ice for eastern Scotland (0.05am-23.55pm) MONDAY Yellow ('be aware') Snow and ice for eastern Scotland (0.05am-23.55pm) Advertisement

'We moved a foot (at 2.30am) and stopped again and that's where we've been. We've keep saying 'has anybody rung anybody? They just said 'no, we've been speaking to the controllers and we're just really sorry' and that's all we've had.

'(The driver) didn't come out to speak to us. Somebody asked for the driver to come out and explain to everyone what was going on and that wasn't forthcoming.

'Earlier on we put some Madonna on so we were dancing to that trying to keep warm. We've been chatting and getting to know each other as it's been too cold to sleep. But everybody now is tired, hungry, fed up and just wants to get out and go into somewhere warm.'

South Western Railway wrote on its website: 'Due to multiple broken-down trains between Weymouth and Southampton Central, all lines are blocked.

'Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised at short notice. All stations between Bournemouth and Weymouth will not be served. Disruption is expected until 12:00 02/03.

'Because of the severe weather conditions, multiple trains have broken down between Weymouth and Bournemouth. All lines between these stations are currently blocked. Trains are stuck in a queue behind the defective trains and are unable to move.

'We are in the process of trying to move the broken-down trains and will update you when we have further information. Emergency rail replacement is extremely limited in the area due to severe weather, but we are doing our best to help you complete your journey.'

A total of five trains were stranded overnight on the route between London and Weymouth, Network Rail said.

A spokesman said: 'We'd like to apologise to passengers trapped on trains overnight on the South Western Railway network due to extreme weather.

'We worked closely with South Western Railway and the emergency services through the night who responded to the most vulnerable passengers.

'All passengers were removed from trains earlier this morning, but the ongoing extreme weather meant emergency services were not able to evacuate people sooner.

Riders from Lawney Hill Racing take their horses out today on the all-weather gallops in Tetsworth, Oxfordshire

Trainer Lawney Hill poses for a photograph as she wears tights over her face to keep out the cold in Tetsworth today

An abandoned car near Blackstone Edge in the Pennines today as Britain is hit by continuing severe weather

A dog stomps through the snow in Kirkliston, West Lothian, today as the bad conditions cause problems over the UK

Adam Suthers digs out a car stuck in the snow in Ripponden, Yorkshire, as the UK continues to battle the weather

Frozen canals in Birmingham city centre today, as much of the country has suffered from snowfall and freezing conditions

Network Rail issued this photo of a snow plough at Carstairs station on the West Coast Main Line this morning

A huge icicle in the tunnel near Balcombe station in West Sussex, which has caused problems for train services

'We are asking people not to travel across the South Western Railway network today unless absolutely essential. Services across the route will also be stopping early this evening.'

Beast from the East and Storm Emma claim 14 victims across Britain Friday, March 2 Matt Watt, 20, dies after falling over in the snow while crossing Nungate Bridge in Haddington, East Lothian

A man dies after being found collapsed on a pavement in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent Thursday, March 1 Richard Fiddy, 74, dies from a suspected heart attack when he stopped to help a driver stuck in deep snow in Bergh Apton, Norfolk

Seven-year-old girl named Maisie, is hit by an out of control car in Looe, Cornwall, while playing in the snow

A 70-year-old man is rescued from cliffs in Torquay, Devon, but later dies in hospital

Body of a 75-year-old woman is found near her home on a snow-covered street in Leeds

A 46-year-old van driver dies after his vehicle collides with a lorry on the A34 near Tot Hill in Hampshire Wednesday, February 28 Stephen Cavanagh, 60, dies after jumping into a frozen lake trying to save his dog in Welling, London

Care worker Elaine McNeill, 42, dies after collapsing on her way to work in Milton, Glasgow Tuesday, February 27 John Paul Capstick, 57, dies in a five-vehicle crash on the A47 near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire

Three women die in a crash between a car and a lorry on the A15 near Baston in Lincolnshire

A homeless man, known locally as Ben, is found dead near a church in Retford in Nottinghamshire Advertisement

A South Western Railway spokesman later added: 'The forecast this afternoon is for further severe snow and high winds. We are urging you not to attempt to travel.

'If you have already travelled, please return as early as possible. Our service will be closing down early today. We will confirm what time trains will stop running on our network as soon as we can.'

Commuter Philip Brown has spoken of how he endured more than 15 hours on a train with 50 people on board which became stuck overnight in the snow.

The 49-year-old, who was travelling from London Waterloo to Bournemouth, Dorset, when the train became stuck in the New Forest, said: 'I didn't have any food or water, there were no buffet facilities on board, the train lost power and we lost heating and lights.

'I couldn't tell you how cold it was but it was cold enough to prevent you from sleeping. People were taking it in their stride although one guy was quite agitated. People were wrapping jumpers round their legs trying to keep warm.'

South Western Railway said multiple incidents were affecting its services, warning that trains may be cancelled or severely delayed, with disruption expected until the end of the day. It told passengers: 'We cannot guarantee to get you to your destination this afternoon.'

Rail operator Southeastern urged passengers not to travel anywhere on its network until further notice.

A spokesman said: 'We are currently experiencing severe difficulties with the train service across our entire network as a result of freezing rain and ice forming on conductor rails, which our trains use to pick up power.

'We are currently advising passengers not to travel. This applies to all Southeastern routes - metro, mainline and high speed.

'We are working to bring services back into operation as soon as possible. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.'

Rail travellers have also been delayed after push-button train doors froze up. A driver on a London Northwestern service apologised to passengers travelling between London and Tring, Hertfordshire.

He said cold weather had caused the opening mechanisms on some doors to freeze. The driver delayed departures from stations to give passengers time to find a door which was working.

Virgin Trains said it will not run any cross-border trains between England and Scotland today. No East Coast services will operate north of Newcastle, and no trains will run on the West Coast between Carlisle and Scotland.

Coastal rail line is closed after the sea wall is breached The rail line at Dawlish on the south Devon coast has been closed after the sea wall was breached. Flooding and debris blocked the line after up to 50ft (15m) of fencing and stones were displaced, Network Rail said. A 'substantial amount' of ballast has also been washed across the track along 150 metres of the railway. Trains have been suspended after the sea wall at Dawlish on the Devon coast was 'significantly damaged' by the storm Workers are trying to recover the train line at Dawlish in Devon after it was battered by strong waves and severe conditions Dawlish train station in Devon has been left flooded today as the severe weather conditions continue across the country Trains are unable to run along the route, which suffered severe damage after the sea wall collapsed during storms in 2014. A Network Rail spokesman said: 'There is no structural damage to the sea wall, and the integrity of the railway itself has not been damaged, which is testimony to the quality of the strengthening works Network Rail delivered in 2014.' No services will operate on the route on Friday. Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Labour MP Luke Pollard described the closure of the line as 'bad for our local economy' and accused the Government of making 'vague promises of jam tomorrow' in the South West rail strategy. He added: 'No firm commitment to new money - simply not good enough.' A photo released by Network Rail after an inspection of the track at Dawlish which was damaged by Storm Emma today Following visual inspections today, Network Rail confirmed that the railway sustained damage last night as a result of Storm Emma There is no structural damage to the sea wall, and the integrity of the railway itself has not been damaged, Network Rail said A photo released by Network Rail after an inspection of the track at Dawlish which was damaged by Storm Emma today Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said on Wednesday that avoiding a repeat of the 2014 disruption at Dawlish 'has been a key priority' since he began his role. The Government has previously provided £15 million for Network Rail to design a 'long-lasting solution to this problem' in addition to the £40 million spent by Network Rail to repair the damage caused four years ago. Jon Shaw, transport expert and head of geography at the University of Plymouth, said: 'The latest damage to the sea wall is a timely reminder to the Transport Secretary that work to improve the quality and resilience of our transport network here in the South West is of the highest priority.' Advertisement

A farm house in the snow next to the M62 in Kirklees, West Yorkshire after a section of the motorway was closed

Sarah Harker from Murton in Cumbria opened her front door to a wall of snow today (left). Pictured (right) is Bristol today

People walk along the road after motorists became stranded on the snow-blanketed A31 towards heading towards Dorset

The scene this morning where up to 100 cars were stuck on the A303 in Ilminster, Somerset, overnight

People got out of their vehicles on the A38 in Devon as they became stranded overnight due to the snow

Hundreds of motorists have spent the night in their cars or in rescue centres after the issues on the A303 in Ilminster

A Virgin Trains spokesman said: 'We are working hard to look after our customers in whatever way we can and ticket restrictions on both routes have been lifted today, so customers who do decide to travel can do so on any service, but are advised to check our websites for the most up to date information before going to the station.'

Car is left trapped in a block of ice after water pipe bursts on street This Londoner won't be able to drive to work today - because their car was trapped in a block of ice. The frozen motor was left unidentifiable after being turned into a block of ice by a burst water pipe. Workers were scrambled this morning to repair the pipe, but the car, in Tower Hamlets, East London, is unlikely to get thawed for a few days. Tower Hamlets Police offered their 'deepest sympathy' to the driver on Twitter. Traffic wardens will struggle to ticket the car, which has been stuck for two days. Twitter user @baoigheallain said: 'The lengths some owners will go to to prevent a parking officer sticking a ticket to their windscreens.' Advertisement

A red weather warning - the second in 24 hours - expired at 2am, but amber warnings for snow are still in place for much of Scotland, the North East of England, and parts of Northern Ireland, running until 10am, and for wind and snow in south western parts of the UK until 8am.

Up to 50cm of snow could fall over parts of Dartmoor, Exmoor and south east Wales.

Yellow warnings for snow are also in place for vast swathes of the country for the whole day, while a yellow warning for wind covers the North East of England and Wales until midday.

Temperatures will once again be below freezing for many parts of the UK during the day, with strong winds making it feel even chillier.

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said: 'We are not out of the woods yet. There's further snow to come, as well as a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain.

'Even parts of London and the South East are not immune to seeing more snow through the afternoon - not as much as yesterday, but still enough to cause further disruption.'

All 279 schools in Cornwall have been closed as the county deals with potential snow, ice and flooding.

Devon and Cornwall Police have urged people to avoid all travel unless essential.

Trees have fallen in Gweek and Praze, with snow drifts and abandoned vehicles blocking roads, and emergency services are dealing with reports of flooding in the Lizard area.

Five properties have flooded in Porthallow, due to high tide, strong winds and run off from melting snow.

Mourners are being asked to check that funerals have not been re-arranged, though Penmount Crematorium is operational.

In Northern Ireland almost 400 schools are closed. Traffic on the roads was disrupted.

Mourne Mountain Rescue has been helping essential staff reach Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, Co Down. Airports are open but passengers have been advised to contact their airlines.

The majority of schools in Wales are closed as well as many libraries and other council buildings and services.

Early morning bathers brave the cold to swim at Hampstead Heath ponds in North West London this morning

Local worker Billy Black clears heavy snow for residents this morning in Alexandria, West Dumbartonshire

A car drives past drifting snow in a country lane in Bath today as much of the UK was brought to a standstill

A man jumps into the Hampstead Heath ponds on a very chilly day in North West London this morning

A freezing morning as the ice waves roll in on Man 'o' War Bay and Durdle Door on the Jurassic coast in Dorset today

Passengers tried to get some sleep under space blankets after being stuck on the train from Waterloo to Poole overnight

Of the country's 22 councils, 12 are reporting that all schools in their areas are closed while information on the websites of the remaining 10 show hundreds of further school closures.

Police chief says too many motorists are ignoring warnings Too many drivers are ignoring pleas to stay off roads hit by severe weather, a senior police officer has warned. Thousands of motorists have been stranded across the UK this week due to vehicles being unable to cope with the blast of cold, snow and ice. Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, head of roads policing across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, wrote on Twitter: 'Colleagues have been rescuing hundreds of stranded motorists overnight and the icy roads are treacherous. 'Please can we have a more literal interpretation of the word 'essential' this morning. There have been so many warnings that this weather was coming.' This followed a message he sent at 5pm yesterday, pleading with drivers not to 'add to the challenges we are facing' and warning 'if we have to rescue you this may put another's life in danger'. Devon County Council had warned yesterday that motorists should 'not travel unless absolutely necessary'. Police declared a 'major incident' after hundreds of motorists needed rescuing from the A31, a major route connecting Hampshire and Dorset. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent a 'blunt' message to transport company bosses, who had continued to send drivers out on to the roads despite official warnings to avoid non-essential journeys. She said: 'I saw some branded HGVs in pictures yesterday and given the branding on them I would struggle to say that their transport was unavoidable.' A spokesman for the AA said 30 per cent fewer journeys were made yesterday compared to the same day last week. AA president Edmund King said: 'It's the kind of drop we might see on Christmas Day. 'Almost a third of drivers did get the warnings and took sensible action by not venturing out. 'I think where people did go out they probably didn't think the conditions would be as bad as they were.' Yesterday was the firm's busiest March day on record with around 30,000 calls to its breakdown line. Advertisement

Firefighters and paramedics had to dig their way through snow into a South Wales home following a report of concern about carbon monoxide.

Jennie Griffiths, head of joint fire control for South Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services, tweeted pictures of the crew who attended the property in Ebbw Vale.

In one image, two firefighters, who had walked half a mile in breathing apparatus to reach the home, could be seen peering out of a door framed by a drift of snow taller than them.

Ms Griffiths said a casualty was taken to hospital for a precautionary check.

HM Coastguard has advised people to avoid Holyhead Marina in North Wales as 80 berthed vessels are at risk of damage in the harbour from the adverse weather conditions.

Paul Campbell, deputy head of maritime operations for HM Coastguard, said: 'Over the past few days our seas have been unforgiving. We understand that adverse weather is awe-inspiring but the dangers are real and should not be underestimated.

'We cannot stress enough that piers, rocks, harbours and the water's edge are not safe places to be when the weather is bad.

'It can be slippery and because there is little to hold on to, even a small wave can come out of nowhere and quickly wash you off and into the sea. Equally so, no footage, photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.'

Meanwhile all flights have been grounded at Cardiff Airport with an update expected at around 11am.

Several transport companies including Stagecoach in South Wales and Arriva Trains Wales, which has cancelled all services in the south, have suspended services.

Cardiff Council, which has closed all schools and libraries along with Bute and Roath Parks and Cardiff Market, said its teams had been working 'around the clock battling heavy snowfall, freezing rain and frozen ground to try and keep the roads clear'.

A spokesman said: 'Despite this, motorists are facing extremely difficult driving conditions this morning and the transport network is severely compromised.'

The whole of the Irish Republic is also on red alert, valid until 6pm today, after being hit by the worst snow in 35 years.

Evelyn Cusack, senior forecaster with Met Eireann, warned 40cm (1ft 4in) of snow could fall in parts of the east and south.

In Ireland the worst of the blizzard conditions are believed to have passed leaving snow one metre deep on high ground in the east.

But despite the lockdown alert being lifted in Ireland, the country's Transport Minister Shane Ross pleaded with people to only make 'the most necessary of journeys'.

'Please do not use the roads today unless you absolutely have to,' he said. 'During the night some motorists became trapped in their cars and we would hope that people today will use common sense and not risk their own safety and that of our emergency services.

'If your journey is vital please ensure that you pack safety supplies into your car. However, I appeal to anyone who is thinking of making a journey to stop, ask themselves if they really need to get into that car, and if possible, decide against it. Remember, it's not just your own life you're risking.'

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also backed the advice for people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential. 'It is okay to go outside, the blizzard has passed, but there should not be any unnecessary travel,' Mr Varadkar said. Snow is going to continue to fall.'

Driver Thomas Hamilton tweeted this morning from the A303 near Mere in Somerset that he had been stuck for 12 hours. He 'slept for 45 minutes, woken up in the same place', adding: 'Poor person stuck in a soft top car hasn't moved, must be freezing'

Motorists on the M62 in Greater Manchester were trapped in their cars overnight after heavy snow and high winds left the road impassable. But local residents in Milnrow, Rochdale, came to their aid, bringing hot drinks, food and blankets to people

A man walks through the snow on the A904 between Newton and South Queensferry in West Lothian today

Snow has closed the Ministry of Defence Abbey Wood establishment at Filton, Bristol, this morning

Members of the Serpentine Swimming Club brave freezing water temperatures at Hyde Park in Central London today

Mr Varadkar told RTE Radio One it would take the weekend to get things back to normal and he thanked people for heeding advice.

Parts of Britain face power cuts woe Western Power Distribution figures showed around 4,000 properties in Wales and south west England had been left without power this morning as a result of 38 incidents. Thousands of homes are without electricity in the north west of England as temperatures remain sub-zero with bitter gales blowing. Power company Electricity North West said power outages had affected parts of Stockport, Oldham, Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester, Carlisle and other parts of Cumbria and parts of Derbyshire, where 5,000 households are without power in Buxton alone. The firm said that because of the high winds and heavy snow some of their work teams have had to stop repairs until it is safe to continue. In the Republic of Ireland, thousands of people across Ireland have been left without phone and internet access. EIR said the severe weather has caused damage to its pole, cable and mast infrastructure, knocking out access to broadband, telephone and mobile services to an estimated 10,000 customers. Co Limerick has been worst hit with 7,000 customers left without services in the areas of Hospital, Pallasgreen, Murroe, Croom and Kilfinane. Irish Water has warned people to conserve water to reduce the risk of interruption to supplies. With treatment plants running at full capacity people have been asked not to run taps and not to use dishwashers or washing machines. Advertisement

Some 24,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power, ESB Networks said. Another 83,000 customers experienced blackouts overnight with greater Dublin and eastern areas worst hit.

Met Eireann extended its red weather warning for snow to Galway, with the southern half of the country under the precautionary alert.

But emergency planning chiefs said the public safety advice to shelter indoors has been withdrawn.

'There are variations in storm impact across the country and people need to take account of circumstances locally before deciding to venture outdoors or undertake journeys,' the agency said.

A number of motorists were reported stranded in their cars overnight in parts of west and south Dublin, gardai said.

Several drivers had to be rescued by emergency services, cars were also abandoned in northern suburbs of the capital and serious snow drifts have been reported in east Galway.

The Garda traffic corps said: 'Gardai urge motorists to remain off roads unless absolutely necessary.

'Large amounts of snow on many roads and conditions vary significantly. Cars abandoned on many roads due to snow.'

In Scotland, severe weather is causing continued disruption to travel, with dozens of drivers stuck in a snowdrift.

Police said 20 to 30 vehicles became stuck in snow on the A92 near Inverbervie in Aberdeenshire shortly before 7am and efforts were under way to free them.

In Easter Ross, police said the Nigg, Fearn, Balintore, Portmahomack, Tain and Eddertson areas were closed off due to the adverse weather conditions, which are causing snowdrifts.

They were also dealing with incidents on the B9175 where some drivers were reportedly stuck during the night.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'Just finished latest @scotgov resilience call. A big issue over next couple of days will be snow drifts, making some local roads impassable. @scotgov will work with councils to mitigate impact on communities. Advice to public is to check with local council before travelling.'

An amber weather warning for snow expired at 10am today; however, a yellow warning of snow across Scotland is in place until 11.55pm tomorrow.

A number of rail and bus services in the amber alert area have been suspended throughout this morning over concerns for safety of staff and passengers.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said roads teams will need time to make routes safe even after the Met Office snow warning expires at 10am, and advised motorists to avoid travel.

A woman walks to work in Bristol this morning after a further blanket of snow covered the city overnight

A deserted playground in Leeds, with the West Yorkshire city still sitting under a layer of snow this morning

A dog walker at St George Park in Bristol this morning, where a blanket of snow has covered the city overnight

Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, Hampshire, closed today over the conditions. A spokesman said: 'All our animals are in the safe care of our expert keepers and they are enjoying a snow day - especially our snow leopards, Amur tigers and meerkats'

One motorist said she had been stuck on the A303 in Somerset for more than 12 hours from 6pm last night to 6.30am today

The passengers were stuck at Brockenhurst in the New Forest on a South Western Railway train that allegedly had no heating

He tweeted: 'Please don't assume on Fri 10.01am that trunk road network will be completely clear.

'Gritters etc will need time for post Red/Amber recovery.'

Troops have been called into transport medics to and from Edinburgh's two biggest hospitals after a request from NHS Lothian to the Scottish Government.

The extreme weather has seen health boards cancel non-essential operations and outpatient appointments today, while NHS 24 has described its operations as being 'stretched'.

Cars suffer 'more than £10million of damage in three days' More than £10 million of damage has been done to cars in just three days as the Beast from the East pounces on the UK's roads, an insurer has estimated. Figures from the AA's Cardiff-based car insurance claims team yesterday suggest that nationally the Siberian snow has led to more than 8,000 collisions - costing insurers more than £10.7 million. The estimated bill is based on the average cost of repairing a damaged car being around £1,300. On Wednesday, the number of insurance claims was more than a third higher than on a normal Wednesday for that time of year, the AA said. Two-thirds of claims related to mishaps in the snow and ice. Michael Lloyd, the AA's director of insurance, said: 'Claims are going up as you might expect during the extremely icy weather that the country is experiencing. 'Based on the AA's share of the car insurance market, we estimate that the total number of private cars involved in collisions is well over 8,200 and rising. 'That equates to around £10.7 million-worth of dented metal.' He said that, fortunately, many of these crashes have happened at relatively low speed as motorists do their best to drive according to the conditions. Often, cars have hit objects such as kerbs, bollards or barriers. Walls, lamp posts, road signs, bus shelters and wheelie bins have also come off badly. Advertisement

Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow saw tiles fly from its roof under pressure from the extreme weather.

An estimated 1,000 vehicles were stuck on the M80 until yesterday afternoon, with some spending the night in their cars and others abandoning their vehicles on the motorway.

Other major roads such as the M876 and minor routes also faced severe disruption due to crashes and deep snow.

As difficult conditions are set to continue, flights at Scotland's busiest airports are facing another day of disruption and cancellations.

Glasgow and Edinburgh first called a halt to routes on Wednesday and will be reassessing safety during the morning.

Passengers have been warned to only travel to the airport once they have checked the status of their flight with the airline.

ScotRail has said no services will be running through the amber alert area until tests are carried out on tracks, while Virgin Trains has said its west coast route to Scotland could be closed and is eastern line will be limited.

A number of bus operators are also warning of disruption to routes this morning, while Edinburgh Trams is running a reduced service.

Hundreds of schools up and down the country will remain closed, including in Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, East Lothian, West Lothian and Edinburgh.

Glasgow School of Art has also been closed until Monday.

Witnesses due at 15 courts in Scotland have been told not to attend after trials were cancelled over safety fears.

Courts affected include Glasgow, Edinburgh, Livingston, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Hamilton, Alloa, Stirling, Falkirk, Paisley, Dumbarton, Airdrie, Greenock, Perth and Coatbridge.

The so-called Beast from the East, which met Storm Emma yesterday, has already proved deadly. A seven-year-old girl became the latest to die during the severe weather yesterday.

The child, believed to be a pedestrian, was fatally injured after a car hit a house on Bodrigan Road in Looe at about 2.30pm, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

A 75-year-old woman was earlier found dead in a snow-covered street in Leeds, while Hampshire Police said a 46-year-old man died after a collision involving a lorry and van on the A34 southbound near Tot Hill services.

A 60-year-old man who died after being pulled from the water at Danson Park, near Welling, South East London, on Wednesday, was named by the Metropolitan Police as Stephen Cavanagh.

Philip Brown endured more than 15 hours on a train with 50 people on board which became stuck overnight in the snow. The 49-year-old was travelling from London Waterloo to Bournemouth, Dorset, when the train became stuck in the New Forest

The empty M62 motorway in Greater Manchester near junction 24 after the road was closed between junctions 21 and 24

A man on his mobility scooter braves the deep snow conditions at Hanham in Bristol this morning

All bus services have been cancelled in Bristol today as the city is covered in snow and faces more severe weather

A burst water main which froze in a field near Ceredigion Bay has created this stunning ice sculpture, pictured yesterday

Team GB snowboarder Aimee Fuller races Leo Emmett down a snowy Primrose Hill in North London yesterday

The National Grid has withdrawn its gas deficit warning following an increase in supplies to the network as extreme weather continues to batter Britain.

The power operator said that following 'significant supply losses' yesterday, the market has 'continued to respond over the last 24 hours and we have seen an increase of supplies into the network'.

Trials at 15 Scottish courts cancelled due to extreme weather Witnesses due at 15 courts in Scotland have been told not to attend after extreme weather conditions forced trials to be cancelled yesterday. The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service advised that a number of hearings will not take place over safety fears. Cases were adjourned to another day and witnesses will be advised of the new date. Courts affected included Glasgow, Edinburgh, Livingston, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Hamilton, Alloa, Stirling, Falkirk, Paisley, Dumbarton, Airdrie, Greenock, Perth and Coatbridge. Only what is deemed as 'essential business' will take place, meaning criminal custody cases and time barred cases as well as urgent civil applications, The Office of the Public Guardian and Accountant of Court in Falkirk, Jedburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court as well as Selkirk Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court have also been closed. Advertisement

'As the extremely cold weather continues we expect to see high demand on the gas network, so we are continuing to monitor developments closely,' it added.

National Grid said in a statement: 'The 'Gas Deficit Warning' issued yesterday was withdrawn at 4.45am this morning and we are currently not expecting to issue another today.

'The market has continued to respond over the last 24 hours and we have seen an increase of supplies into the network.

'As the extremely cold weather continues we expect to see high demand on the gas network, so we are continuing to monitor developments closely.

'Protecting customer supplies is always our first priority and we would like to reassure them that this high demand has not affected their domestic gas supplies.'

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens praised NHS staff for ensuring patient care has continued despite the weather conditions.

He said: 'In these adverse circumstances NHS staff have taken extraordinary measures to get into work and look after patients.

'Once again the NHS is showing that we are there for people when they need us and that's all down to our staff, so a huge thank you to everybody across the NHS who is going the extra mile for people at this highly pressurised time.'

Meanwhile, the RAC said frozen rain - which occurs when snow, ice, sleet or hail passes through a layer of warm air before cooling again closer to the ground, freezing immediately on impact - could pose a deadly road risk.

Traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: 'Freezing rain perhaps represents one of the greatest challenges any driver could face. Droplets of rain which come into contact with the ground and other surfaces freeze instantly.

'This creates a huge hazard as roads may look clear and safe, despite actually being potentially icy death traps. Where freezing rain is forecast, put simply drivers should avoid using their vehicles in affected areas.'

The Met Office added on Twitter that black ice was a threat that could be caused by freezing rain, as it 'may not be visible, but it will be there'.

Nearly all train operators warned of cancellations and disruption again today and hundreds more flights were cancelled. Motorists across much of the UK have been warned against driving unless absolutely essential.

Search launched for woman, 51, who 'got lost in hills' Police believe Alison Fox got lost in the Ochil Hills near Menstrie after heading out yesterday afternoon Mountain rescue teams are 'very concerned' for a missing woman who set out on a hill walk in Clackmannanshire during the heightened weather warnings. Police believe Alison Fox got lost in the Ochil Hills near Menstrie in Scotland after heading out yesterday afternoon. Search teams have been checking the area but no trace has been found of the 51-year-old from Alloa. Officers say they do not want members of the public to join the search as snow and high winds continue to hit Scotland but have appealed for any sightings or information. Ms Fox is white, about 5ft 2ins and slim, with short red hair and thick glasses. She speaks with an English accent and is said to be a keen hill walker. Inspector Jim Young said: 'The adverse weather on the hills makes us very concerned for Alison's welfare and we are keen to trace her as soon as possible. 'I must stress that I do not want members of the public to come out and assist with the search due to the weather conditions but if you have any relevant information that can help us establish Alison's whereabouts please contact the police immediately. ' Advertisement

Cold snaps! MailOnline readers share their snowy selfies and pictures of frozen fountains, cosy igloos and early morning dips

By NICK ENOCH FOR MAILONLINE

As Britain wakes up to yet another day of snow and ice, courtesy of the Beast from the East and Storm Emma, many people have put on a brave face despite the sub-zero conditions.

Here, MailOnline has collected some of the best pictures sent in by our readers - from building igloos in back gardens and dogs frolicking in the snow, to brave swimmers daring to dip in ice-cold rivers and people struggling to get to work.

The Met Office has issued six separate weather warnings covering almost the entire country today - two amber for 'be prepared' and four yellow for 'be aware' - and further alerts are in place until the end of Monday night.

Hundreds of motorists were left stranded overnight as extreme weather continued to wreak havoc across Britain today - with forecasters warning the country 'is not out of the woods yet'.

Strengthening winds caused blizzards and drifting snow in some parts of the country, bringing roads to a standstill and leaving commuters facing travel disruption for the fourth day in a row.

Stranded by the snow? If it is safe to do so, please email your selfies and pictures including details of who you are and where it was taken to: pictures@mailonline.co.uk

Angela Jones, 51, from Usk, in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales, took her daily swim today despite the freezing temperatures

... and she's in! Ms Jones has been wild swimming for 30 years - in all weathers

Ella shows no signs of feeling the chill against the backdrop of this wintry scene in Redruth, Cornwall this morning

Freddie and Stefan are pulled along on a sleigh by their father, Stef Kleczkowski, in Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent

Wee Ludwig the wood mouse forages for nuts in Coatbridge, on the outskirts of Glasgow today

Charlestown in St Austell, Cornwall, where Poldark was filmed, in an area that very rarely sees snow

'My car is in there somewhere,' said one reader from Erskine, near Glasgow airport - the wing mirror just about visible

Kimberley Matthews with Blue the Lurcher, a rescue dog from Dogs Trust Newbury, in West Tytherly, Hampshire

Two girls took a wintry stroll through some woods in a scene reminiscent of the chronicles of Narnia

Do you wanna bill a snowman? This frozen fellow was pictured enjoying a pint of Guinness

Rafaella Sharp, one, and her mother Penny from Castleford, West Yorkshire, playing in the snow for the first time together

Ivy and Charlie look on in wonder at the magical snow scenery in Carshalton, Surrey

One reader snapped this owl ornament in need of a snowy haircut; right, a gritter gets stuck in Marshfield, Cardiff

An icicle bicycle which belongs to the son of Paula Smith, from Westhoughton, in Bolton, Greater Manchester

Sophie Lunnon sent in this snap as she smiled through the snow on the streets of Plymouth today

Icicled trees are pictured the day after a cattle trough water pipe sprung a leak in West Wales

A family in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, decided to build an igloo at the front of their property; and right, a fountain at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, Surrey

A seven-year-old boy in Bishop Auckland helped his parents to build an igloo

Houses in Charlestown, on the south coast of Cornwall, facing icy blasts coming in from across the sea

Justine and her family are big fans of the film The Greatest Showman - and made this tribute Greatest 'Snowman'

Benjamin Jones sent in this picture while he braved a climb up Snowdon, north-west Wales, this morning

Mr Jones takes on his ascent of Snowdon; right, Froch and Hugo play around on snow-covered grass

A car's eye view of the treacherous road conditions in the village of Mowsley in Leicestershire

This snowman in Plymouth looks rightly shocked at the wintry outlook, as it's been seven years since such a snowfall

Three friends in Plymouth carry the mid-section of a snowman as they create 'life' of sorts this morning

Lizzie Molden's dog Copper enjoys the snow in St Austell, Cornwall today

Around 60 vessels were damaged in Holyhead Marina, North Wales, after a storm hit overnight

The scene from Bear Flat and Henrietta Park, in Bath, Somerset, this morning

The serene view in Bath was interrupted when an icy blast whipped up a dusting of snow

This young girl is armed and ready for a snowball fight... and shows no mercy to her older opponent

Tony Roscoe posted this picture taken from outside his neighbour's house

Now THAT'S a white wedding: Dorset couple ignore the cold to tie the knot Gemma Young, 25, woke up in Dorset on her wedding day to find a blanket of snow and the flakes falling. 'It was such an amazing day. Me and my other half were just so excited about the snow – we really wanted it to snow as it was so rare. 'The venue was amazing at organising everything around the snow.' The beauty therapist was driven to the 1pm ceremony at the King's Pavilion in Christchurch, Dorset, in a vintage Wolseley car which made it safely through the cold weather. You may kiss the brrrrrr-ide: Gemma Young and her army husband Rhys posed happily in snowy Dorset for pictures, seemingly not noticing the cold The beauty therapist was driven to the 1pm ceremony at the King's Pavilion in Christchurch in a vintage Wolseley car 'I had woken up at 6am and it was completely white and it was snowing from then on. We just drove really slowly and we got there.' Mrs Young and her army husband Rhys posed happily in the snow for pictures, seemingly not noticing the cold – unlike her shivering bridesmaids. 'The adrenalin completely took over and I wasn't cold,' she said. 'The bridesmaids were so brave on the day – they made me proud.' The Youngs are now planning a mini-moon in the Cotswolds for a couple of days before opting for a warmer destination next year, Las Vegas. 'We were going to go on Sunday but we haven't booked anything yet; it's so beautiful here.' Gemma said: 'The adrenalin completely took over and I wasn't cold. The bridesmaids were so brave on the day – they made me proud' Advertisement

Wheelie bins with snow-heavy lids - making lifting hard work for both residents... and the binmen

This Shirebears Newfoundland was spotted lying low in the snow in Derbyshire this morning

The Shirebears is a large working dog whose country of origin is Canada - so snow in the UK should be no problem for them

The black, fluffy pooch clearly felt right at home in the white, fluffy stuff

'We made a snow mosque!': Teenagers Ryhan Ruf, Zain Hussain, Raihan Mahmood and Harris Mahmood spent their Thursday evening building a snow mosque outside the Islamic institute Al-Hidaayah Foundation in Keighley in Bradford, West Yorkshire

Lizzie Conlon has shared this picture of her outside her house last night in Newcastle upon Tyne

Plulow the Shih Tzu called Plulow plays with a pal on Hampstead Heath in north-west London

Small boats take a battering from wind and sea spray on the Cornish coast at St Austell

This pair of youngsters clearly didn't mind a soggy bottom as they sat in the snow in Nottingham today

These serious-looking dogs in Droitwich, Worcestershire, didn't seem to mind the cold

Richard Wardman conveys the passage of time with these snaps of snow on the A30 in Devon

A frosted sign outside Brecknock Museum which occupies the old Shire Hall in Breconshire, mid Wales

The river Usk, which rises high in the Brecon Beacons, was seen frozen this morning

Tori Hastings, from Newcastle, has a magical snow day with her children

A South Western Railway slow-down during the bad weather saw one reader struggle to get home from London to Poole

The birds of Warminster Park, in Wiltshire, are trying their best to stay warm

Proud owner Isabella Davis took this snap of Lola her labradoodle in Orpington, Kent

This picture, from a reader named Sharon, shows a blocked road to Litton Village in the Peak District today

Kodi certainly has a taste for the outdoors and is seen catching snow in Slough, Berkshire

This pooch thought better than to brave the cold - and instead stayed nice and toasty indoors

Ed Newton sent in this atmospheric image of his garden in Pontypool in South Wales

A nice icicle by an outdoor tap - but what are the odds there will still be a hosepipe ban this summer?

Bark-shire? Braving the cold, Buddy collects firewood in Bracknell, Berkshire

Not that you can see it but this is the main road in Loddiswell, Devon, in an image sent to us by Jenny Cook

Gillian Shorrock, from Portishead, Bristol, said: 'It's bitter but our boys are loving the snow'

Rufus in Felixstowe, Suffolk; and right, Archie, from Congresbury, Somerset, is disappointed that his favourite ditch is frozen over

Karen Robson's husband braves the elements to feed their cattle - twice a day - in New Byth, Aberdeenshire

A man tries to dig out his Defender in Shropshire while Nick Forcey stands in the snow in the lane he needs to use to get back to London

'Breakfast time in our garden,' said one reader, Bev Ashton, from Aberlour in Moray, Scotland

George the bulldog is seen enjoying the snow with a refreshing roll-around in Tonbridge, Kent

One brave soul tried an alternative style of commuting by attempting to snowboard down Steep Hill in Lincoln

The Arctic came to Basildon, Essex - and Kayden Eaton, five, loved her sleigh ride thanks to Huskamute dog, Storm

Erin in her back garden in Elmswell, Suffolk, with Osca the snow ghost - which seems to have spooked Teddy the dog

No ice cream and sunhats today on Clacton Pier as the Essex landmark experienced snow-covered beaches

A rare sight saw the fountain in Trafalgar Square transform into an icicled waterscape

A silent night in the village of Helperby in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire

We're not out of the woods yet with the weather... a wintry scene greeted residents of Helperby this morning

A child creates the obligatory 'snow angel' in Carrbrook, Stalybridge in Greater Manchester