Blizzards batter Britain: Snow causes chaos in South West

The UK is set to be hit with a fresh blast of ice and snow today as temperatures plunge to below freezing across the country, creating travel chaos as drivers are warned to only travel if 'absolutely essential'.

Treacherous conditions saw more than 100 car crashes in just a few hours as drivers struggled to cope with the sudden change in conditions.

The Met Office has issued yellow for warnings for snow and ice across southern England, parts of the northwest and north Wales, Northern Ireland and large parts of northern Scotland.  

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a Government health agency, issued a level three cold alert on Monday in response to 'severe winter weather'. 

Places including Yorkshire, Northumberland and the north of Scotland have woken up to huge dumps of snow and frost this morning, with the cold weather set to continue throughout this week. 

Thousands face travel chaos this morning as snow and ice cover the roads in places.

A section of the A30 in Devon has been blocked up by snow, according to Cornwall and Devon police, affecting tens of thousands of drivers.

Meanwhile in Kent, a road was blocked by truck which lost control on the ice became stuck, stopping traffic in both directions.

Parts of the country such as Hampshire were hit with freezing temperatures of -5C last night.

Temperatures could plunge as low as -11C in the next few days as wintry conditions return following weeks of mild weather.

The extreme forecast prompted the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) to urge people to wear several thin layers and consume plenty of hot drinks if they're feeling the chill in the coming days, and to be mindful of vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours who might need checking on.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: 'Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

'During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather.

'If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.'

An ice warning is in place for south England until 10am, with Cornwall also under a snow warning for the same time period as rain could turn to snow.

There is a warning for snow and ice across north Wales, as well as Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, which is in effect until midday. The same warning is in place across Northern Ireland at the same times.

Large parts of Scotland, including the Highlands, Aberdeenshire and the Shetland Islands, are covered by a yellow snow and ice warning until 9am on Wednesday, with the Met Office warning snow could turn heavy at times.

All these areas will see tricky conditions on the roads and on public transport, with people being urged to take care when travelling.

Jason Kelly, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Cold, icy and sometimes snowy conditions are in the forecast this week, with the UK seeing more of a north-westerly regime, with temperatures well below average for the time of year.

'Wintry showers are likely at points through the week in the north of England. Warnings have been issued, and ice is likely to be a hazard for much of the week with some tricky travel conditions possible.

'Maximum temperatures will largely only reach the low single figures, with temperatures below freezing through most nights this week.'