Around 4,000 people being evacuated from town of Jaywick in Essex due to fears of flooding from high tides


Soldiers are evacuating people from their properties, homeowners are being told flooding is imminent and drivers are being warned of treacherous conditions as gale force winds, snow, sleet and rain lash Britain.

There was travel chaos across the UK today with London and Kent beneath eight inches of snow at rush hour, bringing roads to a standstill and halting trains as stations - including Canary Wharf underground - closed due to adverse weather.

Furious passengers were left stranded yesterday as Heathrow Airport cancelled 80 flights, with four British Airways flights from Gatwick Airport also cancelled. Today, 20 flights have been cancelled from Germany and Eastern Europe to Heathrow due to bad weather on the continent.

In Essex, the town of Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, some 4,000 people are being evacuated due to flooding fears - but some are refusing to leave their homes.

Around 100 British Army soldiers were drafted into Lincolnshire last night, going door-to-door with police to help 3,200 anxious homeowners vulnerable to tidal flooding over the next 24 hours.

The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings across much of the UK, with more than 60 flood warnings across the country this evening - many calling on residents to take 'immediate action'.

And the temperature is set to plummet as low as -9C in some areas overnight, with snow turning to ice and leading to dangerous conditions for drivers tomorrow morning.

Falling snow near Tower Bridge in London: The adverse weather conditions have affected commuters travelling through the capital tonight

A military convoy arrives in Skegness: Soldiers are supporting local authorities on the Lincolnshire coast where 3,000 residents have been urged to leave their homes or move upstairs

Jacob and Roberta playing in the snow in Kent as people experienced trouble on the roads with cars and buses being abandoned

There was thick snow in Godalming, Surrey, where the temperature is set to plummet to an icy -1C overnight tonight

People trudged through the snow settling in Bromley, London, on Thursday evening. The Met Office subsequently warned the snow could lead to icy conditions on roads

The scene in Jaywick, Essex, this afternoon with police warning residents they have to leave their homes due to flooding fears

There was a wintry scene outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London as snow fell

The interactive graphic below is a great way to check the weather in your area. Click on the tabs to the left to change the weather aspects. This will only work for desktop users.

The cancellations have come before any snow has even hit London today, despite spending £36million on vehicles and equipment to beat weather disruption at the airport six years ago

Pictured shows the areas of the UK which are already covered in snow as the Big Chill sweeps across the country

The Met Office warned up to eight inches of snow could fall, with much of the country under a severe weather warning and amber 'be prepared' warnings for wind and snow.

Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are particularly at risk from the gale force winds combining with high tides to create large waves that could carry dangerous debris including rocks.

High winds have caused widespread problems to roads and rail networks and thousands of properties have been left without power.

And forecasters are warning of more dangerous conditions to follow, as the heavy snow is set to spread wider over tomorrow and Saturday.

Mixed with continuing high winds, it could lead to thundersnow and 'blizzard-like conditions' with severe weather warnings in place.

The Environment Agency has warned communities on the east coast of England they could face large waves and possible flooding throughout tomorrow and into Saturday morning.

There are some 67 flood warnings, 76 flood alerts and a further seven severe flood warnings currently in place.

Following the first evacuation in Jaywick, neighbouring towns and villages of Mistley, Manningtree and Colchester followed suit on Thursday.

People are being urged to take extreme care near the coast and avoid walking along coastal paths and promenades if possible. Motorists should avoid driving through floodwater as just 1ft of flowing water can move a car, the agency said.

The Government's flood warning information service pinpointed several areas in Lincolnshire as being at risk from a large tidal surge moving down the East coast on Friday.

Inspector Mark Hilson briefs soldiers from Alma Company, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who are supporting local authorities in Skegness

Anxious homeowners in Skegness to find soldiers at their door, warning them flooding was imminent and likely to affect their properties

Some vehicles on major routes in Kent pulled onto the hard shoulder or pushed their cars along the road while they waited for conditions to improve

Social media has been awash with photographs of adverse weather conditions across the country, including Canary Wharf in London

While some motorists attempted to battle through the snow in Kent, others were forced to simply abandon their cars at the side of the road

Workers were out in force trying to help clear the snow as it fell in Kent - causing disruption on the trains

In Kent, problems are being reported across the rail network, with Southeastern saying power supply problems are causing severe delays

There was travel chaos in Chelsfield, Kent as trains were delayed, buses were stopped and terminated, and cars became stuck in the snow

An accident involving multiple vehicles on the northbound carriageway of the M77 near Galston, East Ayrshire, added to the chaos of the worsening conditions

Workers carefully trod the slippery surfaces at Bank in the City of London as snow turned to sleet on Thursday night

Police officers and soldiers from Alma Company, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment as they briefed residents in Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast

Westminster: The capital saw rain, sleet and snow along with strong winds throughout Thursday evening

Drivers battled through treacherous snowy conditions near Wrotham in Kent - which had particularly heavy snow, according to the Met Office

Following the first evacuation in Jaywick, neighbouring towns and villages of Mistley, Manningtree and Colchester followed suit

A hiker defies the weather and trudges through thick, heavy snow fall high up on the Breacon Beacons

Tower Bridge: Snow and rain fell over London during the Thursday evening rush hour, as the temperature dropped

One commuter took to social media to share a picture of the snow fall - fearing worsening conditions overnight could cause travel chaos on Friday morning

Residents of a village in Essex are being evacuated from their homes in the face of potential flooding due to severe weather, the fire service has said.

Police officers went house to house in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, on Thursday afternoon to warn people that a full evacuation plan was being implemented in the face of rain and high winds, which could lead to floods.

It comes as communities along the east coast of England are being warned of the risk of large waves and possible flooding as gale-force winds combine with high tides.

Environment Agency teams have moved 5,200 metres of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns including Newcastle upon Tyne, Blythe, Great Yarmouth, Chelmsford, Rye and Trustthorpe and South Ferriby in Lincolnshire.

POLICE ADVICE TO EVACUATED TOWNS Work with local officers to ensure they follow advice and direction given about evacuations

Pack a bag of clothes and have any essential medical items ready for when you need to leave home

Ensure any valuables and or expensive electrical items such as televisions are stored in higher areas in your home should there be a flood

Contact friends or relatives who live outside of the area to see if there is somewhere else you can stay Advertisement

The Hull tidal barrier will be operated on Thursday evening, while all east coast flood gates have been closed, the agency said.

One hundred soldiers have been deployed in Lincolnshire ahead of an expected North Sea storm surge in the next 24 hours.

Lincolnshire Police have identified up to 3,000 homes in low lying coastal areas which are most at risk from flooding.

The Army confirmed one hundred soldiers were sent from Catterick to the Prince William Barracks in Grantham to support police.

Although coastal conditions should ease by Sunday, tidal gates on the east coast have been closed ahead of high tides.

A flood warning has also been issued for Boston, advising that waterside properties between Town Bridge and Haven Bridge could experience minor impacts.

Mark Sitton-Kent, national duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: 'Gale force winds and high tides are likely to create large and dangerous waves along parts of the east coast on Friday and Saturday.

'These conditions could also cause flooding to coastal roads and could impact properties.

'We understand that powerful tides can be dramatic, but please do not put yourself at unnecessary risk by going to the coast for a thrill or to take pictures.

'We are prepared to take action wherever it is needed. We have moved resources and equipment to the coast and the army is on standby to assist if needed.'

The warning for areas near sea defences in Cleethorpes stated: 'Stormy conditions are forecast, resulting in a large tidal surge.

'This will lead to high tidal levels along the Humber estuary. The high tides combined with strong winds could result in large waves and significant overtopping of the sea defences.

'The public are advised to stay away from the coast for their safety.'

A postman in Braco, near Stirling, as blizzard conditions are set to bring 'a real taste of winter to the whole of the UK'

In Essex, the town of Jaywick near Clacton-on-Sea, has been evacuated due to fears of flooding. Environment Agency teams have moved 5,200 metres of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns

GRITTER DRIVER COMES TO RESCUE OF OLYMPIAN Stevie Fallon came to the rescue of Sir Chris Hoy A council gritter driver has been hailed a hero for saving Sir Chris Hoy today after the Olympian's car got stuck in a snow bank. Stevie Fallon came to the rescue following an accident on the A701 north of Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway. He gave Sir Chris a lift in his gritter back to Moffat where they were able to arrange recovery of the vehicle. The cycling champion later tweeted his thanks and confirmed there had been no harm to himself or his car. Sir Chris confirmed his car had hit black ice and ended up in the snow bank near Greenhillstairs on Thursday afternoon. He wrote: 'Thanks 2the kind gent who towed my car out of a snow bank today after I hit black ice. 'Thankfully no harm to me or car but be careful folks!' A Dumfries and Galloway Council statement said: 'We believe all our gritter drivers are heroes, out in all conditions, day and night. 'We are pleased to hear that in this case Steven went beyond his usual duties and picked up Sir Chris Hoy from the side of the road at Greenhillstairs and took him back to Moffat to arrange recovery of his vehicle. 'Due to insurance regulations we could not assist with the recovery of Sir Chris's vehicle ourselves, but we wish him well and a safe journey home.' Advertisement

The cold snap is set to last for three days and has already caused travel disruption and crashes in Scotland and northern parts of England this morning. Pictured is a car off the road after a crash in Ayrshire

Homes in Jaywick, Essex are to be evacuated as emergency services prepare for severe weather hitting the coast

Pictured is a lorry that jacknifed on the A9 near Newtonmore in Scotland as heavy snow fell across the north of the country

After heavy snow and freezing conditions grip the area a car slides off the A57 on Snake Pass near Ashop Moor, Glossop in the Derbyshire Peak District

A motorist drives through blizzard conditions in Overwater, Cumbria this morning as heavy snow falls in North of England

A Hagglund all terrain vehicle in the snow by the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire, as blizzard conditions swept into UK

Heavy traffic on the M74 near Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, where snow was causing traffic problems for early morning commuters

The cold snap is set to last for three days and has already caused travel disruption in Scotland (pictured, the M74 in South Lanarkshire) and northern parts of England this morning, as the polar air mass sweeps across the country

Crew members from Whitby RNLI help to board up windows and doors at the Beach Pub at Sandsend ahead of expected high seas

The calm before the storm: Newcastle prepares for high tides as a result of the Big Chill sweeping across the country today

The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire, Neil Rhodes, said the force has identified 3,000 homes between Donna Nook and Skegness which are most at risk.

Boston, which saw 300 properties flooded by a similar storm surge in 2013, could also be affected.

'We are prepared to help people move from their home,' Mr Rhodes said. 'We will have to call this early.

'We are not advising you to evacuate your home, if we need people to leave we will be in touch.

'The county emergency centre is open and we will be monitoring it.

Following the cancellation of 80 flights at Heathrow, a spokesman said: 'The latest forecast is for snow this afternoon, which will reduce the number of aircraft able to take off and land each hour.

'Alongside our airline partners and NATS, we have taken the decision to reduce the flight schedule on Thursday, to allow airlines to rebook passengers onto un-allocated seats ahead of time where possible.

'We advise passengers to check their flight status with their airline before coming to the airport. We apologise to those whose travel has been affected.'

'There's snow in Fife - quick, cancel flights at Heathrow!' Passengers vent fury at airport bosses on social media Heathrow Airport was slammed for axing 80 flights in advance as the Big Chill sweeps across the country. The cancellations have come before any snow has even hit London, despite spending £36million on vehicles and equipment to beat weather disruption at the airport six years ago. Heavy snow was lying across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of the north of England by this morning. While Heathrow cancelled 80 flights in anticipation of snow, only four flights were cancelled at Gatwick Airport and no services were axed at London City Airport. Many people took to Twitter to hit out at the airport's pre-emptive cancellations. Ron wrote: 'BA cancelling flights from Heathrow as it may snow later. What the hell is wrong with these people. What do they do in Canada then?' Another user said: 'How can Heathrow cancel hundreds of flights already for today - not a spot of snow yet?' Parizian Zee posted: 'Gotta love this place. The *rumour* of snow is enough to cancel flights at Heathrow. Not *actual* snow, just the *rumour* of it. Incredible.' And JH WFC added: 'S**t, there is snow in Fife. Quick, cancel the flights departing and arriving at Heathrow #britishlogic' A total of £36m has been spent on 130 snow clearing vehicles and removal equipment and increased support staff from 117 per shift in 2010 to 510 in 2013. The vehicles and equipment included, 34 tractors, 16 Gator plough sweeps, 15 runway sweepers and three snow blowers. Despite all the money spent on new equipment, the airport still felt the need to cancel flight in anticipation of forecast snow. Advertisement

Stirling Castle was blanketed by a thick layer of snow on Thursday evening, as blizzard-like conditions swept the country

Heavy traffic on the M74 near Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, were snow was causing traffic problems for morning commuters

Police and gritters were out in force to deal with the travel disruption on the M74 near Lesmahagow in South Lanarkshire

Cars drive through snow on the A26 in Ballymena, County Antrim, as blizzard conditions are set to sweep in, bringing 'a real taste of winter to the whole of the UK'

Temporary flood defences are erected on Newcastle Quayside this morning ahead of predicted high tides later today

Swanley, Kent: Blue Bell Hill near Maidstone in Kent was partially blocked in both directions with traffic at a standstill and drivers not moving for 90 minutes. One social media user also made a video of police towing a lorry off the hill

This snow radar shows the snow fall which is expected to fall across the country, with the red areas indicating heavier snow

Snow falling in Balham, London, settled on cars - as residents wrapped up warm against the freezing conditions

A spokesman for Gatwick said: 'As a result of forecast adverse weather, some route restrictions have been put in place by Air Traffic Control that may cause some delays and cancellations to flights.

'We advise passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline and apologies for any inconvenience to our passengers' travels.'

There were road closures and accidents all over the country as motorists struggled to cope with the weather.

And the heavy snow even forced the closure of one of Scotland's major motorways during one of the busiest periods of the morning.

The southbound carriageway of the M74 was closed for more than an hour at Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, due to the icy conditions of the road.

It was finally able to reopen just after 9am after gritters and snow ploughs were used to clear the way.

Two builders dig out their truck from snow this morning after struggling through blizzard-like conditions in Weardale, Durham

Jim Dunbar plows snow in Braco, near Stirling, as blizzard conditions are set to bring 'a real taste of winter to the whole of the UK'

A woman clears the path in Carrbridge, Scotland as cold weather sweeps across much of the UK today

Lorries in the snow on the A66 near Brough, near The Pennines. Frequent snow showers and strong winds are expected widely across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the north of England

People battles through harsh weather conditions in Bacup as heavy snowfall covers the Lancashire town

Overnight snow showers in The Pennines left many roads such as the B6277 impassable for motorists this morning

Mixed with continuing high winds, it could lead to 'blizzard-like conditions' with severe weather warnings in place

Council workers in West Lothian clear paths as much of Scotland woke up to a covering of snow in the first day of the Big Chill

Andy Gale out with his dog, Joe, near Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, where snow has been causing traffic problems

Heavy snow in North Lanarkshire, Scotland this morning (left) and traffic on the M74 near Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire (right)

Snow is expected to fall across northern parts of the UK from today, spreading wider over Friday and Saturday. Pictured is Oldham this morning

Kirsten Shaw posted this picture of the trail she left in the snow as she went for her morning run in the Cairngorms, Scotland

An accident involving multiple vehicles on the northbound carriageway of the M77 near Galston, East Ayrshire, added to the chaos of the worsening conditions.

Earlier in the morning, the A9 at Dunblane, Stirlingshire, was closed by police after a lorry jack knifed on the road near the Keir roundabout.

Restrictions were put in place on the Skye Bridge after the weather made driving conditions very dangerous.

Drivers crossing the Kessock Bridge near Inverness were also forced to deal with restrictions due to the adverse weather.

Overnight snow showers in The Pennines left many roads, such as the B6277, impassable for motorists.

Heavy snow blanketed Northern Ireland mid-morning, with Coleraine and Ballymena among the towns worst hit.

A gust of 93mph was recorded at High Bradfield in South Yorkshire and 82mph at Emley Moor in West Yorkshire.

In London alone, British Gas are expecting 15,492 home call outs this week and 15,857 next week, as a result of the bad weather.

Heathrow Airport has been forced to cancel 80 flights as the adverse weather reached the South East. Pictured is an infographic from the airport on the winter policy

Pictured is a car trying to make its way along a snow-covered B6277 in The Pennines - where many roads were impassable

Heavy snowfall in Bacup, Lancashire, leaves sheep covered in snow. The Met Office have warned of ìblizzard-liked conditionsî as it put much of the country under severe warnings as the UK braces itself against a polar air mass

Frequent snow showers and strong winds are expected widely across Scotland, Northern Ireland (pictured, Ballymena), Wales and the north of England

One social media user captured a time-lapse video of heavy snow falling over his property in Surrey

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said conditions will become increasingly cold and windy as polar air spreads south across the country.

'Wintry showers are also likely to affect many areas, most likely falling as snow over higher ground but occasionally also to low ground, especially where showers occur inland overnight,' he said.

'On Thursday a band of rain spreading from the west across southern parts is likely to turn wintry during the afternoon, with the potential for heavy snow in places.

'As this clears through the evening, with clear skies there is a risk of a widespread frost and icy conditions quickly forming.'

Public Health England is urging people to take action to keep themselves and others warm and well over the coming days.

Director for health protection, Professor Paul Cosford, said: 'Think now about what you need to do to prepare: if you need vital medicine or food get it before the bad weather arrives.

'People with underlying health conditions, very young children and those aged over 65 are at greatest risk, so think what you can do to help others.'

A so-called wolf moon rises over Glastonbury Tor, in Somerset, yesterday. In some parts of the world, the January full moon is nicknamed the wolf moon, which dates back to the days when Native American tribes gave names to each month's full moon to help keep track of the seasons

The full moon was visible ahead of a forecast for wind and snow hitting parts of the UK tomorrow

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said conditions will become increasingly cold and windy as polar air spreads south across the country. Pictured is a wolf moon at Glastonbury

Train passengers between Nuneaton and Atherstone in Warwickshire were delayed after a trampoline blew onto the tracks

A snowplough makes its way through blizzard conditions at a snowy Cairngorm National Park in the Scottish Highlands

The Forth Road Bridge near Edinburgh was closed in both directions after a lorry was blown over at 2am on Wednesday.

Police Scotland revealed later in the morning that a 54-year-old man was charged following the collision.

Elsewhere there were gusts of 77mph recorded in Tiree and 77mph at Port Ellen on Islay, both in the Hebrides.

The strong winds caused damage across the country, with power cuts in the North East and Scotland.

Incoming: Strong waves batter the coast at Blackpool in Lancashire, as gusts approaching 100mph hit Britain on Wednesday

A house in Birkenshaw, near Bradford, West Yorkshire, was severely damaged after a tree fell on it in the strong winds

This graphic from Ventusky shows the current winds over Britain and can be altered to show snow cover and thunderstorms

Outlook: The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and wind covering much of Britain over the next few days

These Met Office graphics show the high winds affecting Britain today (left) and today's warnings and temperatures (right)

About 2,300 homes lost power in Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead and Northumberland because of the gusts.

Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks worked to restore power to 600 homes in Scotland.

Around 900 homes were hit in Workington and Whitehaven in Cumbria and more than 500 in Marple, Cheshire.

Twenty pigs die after lorry jackknifes due to high winds Meanwhile 20 pigs have died after the lorry they were travelling jackknifed on the A16 in Spalding, Lincolnshire. The lorry, transporting 180 pigs, overturned at a roundabout while travelling from a farm in Risby to Tulip abattoir. Some of the pigs died in the crash while more had to be slaughtered at the roadside due to their injuries. Onlookers described the scene as 'very distressing' and a vet was called to help rescue the surviving pigs. Advertisement

Newgate Street in Newcastle was shut after part of the Debenhams roof in Eldon Square was torn off by the wind.

Debris was strewn across the normally busy city centre street, with a police cordon in place at either end.

Damaged white blocks from the roof were blocking the pavement in front of restaurants and a Premier Inn.

Train passengers in Warwickshire faced disruption after winds blew a trampoline onto overheard power cables.

Dramatic pictures showed the 10ft-wide child's toy snagged on a line above the track in Nuneaton on Wednesday.

London Midland trains between the town and Atherstone had to travel at half-speed to avoid hitting it.

And in Pelton, County Durham, wind caused bricks from the gable end of a house to fall on to parked cars.

Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service had a call to say hundreds of bricks were falling onto the road.

A man clears snow and ice from a vehicle in the car park for Cairngorm Mountain, where a wind gust of 129mph was recorded

People make their way through heavy rain on Oxford Street, London. There was no sign of snow this morning, but it is forecast for later

Lee Rowbotham and his daughter Elanor have snowball fight on Mam Tor hill in the Peak District, as blizzard conditions are set to sweep in

Temporary flood defences are erected on Newcastle Quayside this morning ahead of predicted high tides later today

And temporary tarpaulin in place around the tower of Durham Cathedral came partially loose in the wind.

West Yorkshire Police said there had been several road closures in the area because of fallen trees.

Local firefighters had 32 calls between 3am and 9.30am over the wind and potentially dangerous structures.

And in North Yorkshire winds caused a trampoline to blow on to a conservatory, damaging windows.

In Scotland, ferry firm Caledonian MacBrayne warned of 'heavy disruptions' and cancellations on the network.

And the roof of the old Radcliffe Times building near Bury, Greater Manchester, partially collapsed in high winds.

A local road was closed in both directions after strong gusts sent bricks and slate flying onto to the road below.

More tricky driving conditions are expected as strong gusts and wintry weather sweep across northern areas.

Scotland TranServ said it will be working around the clock with 22 spreaders and seven patrol vehicles.

A car crashed in the Derbyshire Peak District today as high winds caused travel problems for motorists across the UK

Several inches of snow could settle on higher ground in parts of Scotland, while lower areas will receive a dusting.

Forecaster Craig Snell said the snowfall could lead to 'dangerous conditions on the roads'.

He added that the strong winds could force bridge closures and cause lorry buffeting.

Mr Snell said the gusts would drop off during the afternoon but pick up again tonight, leading to wind and snow.

There is also a chance of thunder and lightning, which could disrupt the power supply and bring 'thundersnow'.

SOUTHERN RAIL DISRUPTION DESPITE END OF STRIKE Southern Rail services continued to be disrupted today, even though drivers returned to work after a 48-hour strike. An overtime ban by Aslef in the bitter dispute over driver-only trains was still in place, causing more misery for passengers. A statement on Southern's website said: 'Services across our network continue to be subject to possible short-notice disruption with no service at all on some of our routes and a reduced service on others. Please check your journey before travel.' Another strike will be held on Friday and again for three days later in the month. Southern warned there will be no services on Friday because of the strike. Commuters who changed to neighbouring Southeastern services, which are not affected by the dispute, were hit by major delays into London Charing Cross caused by a signalling problem. Southern's owner, Govia Thameslink Railway, is taking fresh legal action against the Aslef union by going to the Supreme Court to try to stop the strikes. GTR lost a court case and an appeal last year. A statement said: 'GTR is determined to protect its passengers and its business from unlawful industrial action. 'GTR is therefore prepared to continue its legal claim to the Supreme Court, as it believes that it has an arguable case that the industrial action is unlawful under EU law.' Last month, the High Court rejected an argument from GTR that industrial action would breach customers' rights. Aslef described last month's legal action as a waste of taxpayers', shareholders' and passengers' money. Advertisement

Mr Snell added that it would be 'a very unsettled and cold day across the northern half of the country'.

Temperatures may drop to -5C (23F) in Scotland, but freezing conditions are possible elsewhere in England.

The forecaster said it might feel mild in the morning but people would 'notice the chill' in the evening.

By tomorrow, the stream of cold air will spread further south, bringing hazardous conditions to much of the UK.

Around 0.8in (2cm) of snow is possible in low-lying areas, while 3.9in (10cm) could fall on high ground.

Mr Snell said the next few days would be 'distinctly colder', with bitter weather across the UK by Thursday.

He added that it would remain 'windy and cold on Friday, with potentially some large waves and coastal flooding'.

The Met Office has forecast bad weather across all parts of England from tomorrow afternoon onwards.

Widespread snow and ice could potentially last until Sunday as polar air spreads south across the country.

Public Health England is urging people to take action to keep themselves and others warm and well this week.

The Energy Networks Association has reminded people they can call 105 if the weather affects their electricity.

The free national phone line is available to people in the UK regardless of which firm they buy electricity from.

It was launched after research revealed three in four people do not know who to contact if they have a power cut.

Bungalow suffers £100,000 of damage after winds blow a tree through the roof

A bungalow was severely damaged after strong winds caused a large beech tree to fall through its roof on Wednesday.

Les and Maire Mairs were woken by a loud bang in the early hours at their home in Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire.

They originally through the strong winds had damaged the chimney after discovering rubble in the hallway.

Les Mairs was woken by a loud bang overnight at his home in Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire - only to find a tree had hit it

But they realised it was serious after looking outside with a flashlight - and the damage is estimated at £100,000.

Mr Mairs, 63, who rents the property with his wife, said: 'I had never heard a noise like it before. We had been sleeping in the bedroom when I heard this massive bang.

'I got up to see what it was and saw rubble on the floor of the hallway. I told my wife that the wind has damaged the chimney, as we are quite high up with not a lot of protection from the wind.

'So I took my flashlight and went outside. That is when I saw this huge 80ft beech tree on top of the bungalow. It had gone through the whole roof.

Mr Mairs realised it was serious after looking outside with a flashlight - and the damage is estimated at £100,000

'We were just lucky that the bedroom is the furthest room away from it. The tree must weigh between 30 to 40 tonnes and completely destroyed the roof. It is going to be a massive job.

'The landlord believes repairs could cost £100,000. The tree surgeons are here working on removing the tree but I think it will take over a month before we can return.'

A spokesman for Cleckheaton fire station confirmed its crews were called the home at about 4am.