It’s the big one »»Up to a foot of snow falls today »»50mph winds set to blast in
BRITAIN is set to be hit with up to 12in of snow today as “the big one” brings the coldest day of winter.
Forecasters say the giant snowfall is expected to cause chaos across England and Wales. Residents of small towns and villages in the worst-affected areas are being warned to stay indoors.
Temperatures have plummeted, with most of the Midlands and the North not getting above freezing point today.
Southern areas will be slightly warmer but face 50mph gale-force winds. On the coast, they could rise to 70mph.
A Met Office spokesman said: “It’s the big one. There will be a lot of snow the middle of the country. We also face freezing temperatures tonight, which could cause further disruption to commuters tomorrow morning.”
Last night hundreds of homes were without power in the West Midlands as overnight temperatures caused supply problems.
The RAC warned drivers not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Road condiacross tions in North Wales yesterday were said to be “treacherous”. In Shropshire, heavy snow and ice led to an appeal for 4x4 drivers to transport doctors and nurses to and from hospital. Flights from Manchester airport yesterday saw delays because planes had to be de-iced. The Ministry of Defence said the armed forces “stand ready to provide assistance if needed”. Meanwhile Coleen Rooney left behind the real thing in Manchester to take her family to Windsor’s Lapland experience. Bookmaker Coral slashed the odds to 1-4 (from evens) on there being a white Christmas this year.