Snow Alert: Blizzards As Cold Weather Ends

A final snowfall will sweep across the country dumping as much as 20cm (8ins) in some places before Britain escapes the grip of the cold snap.

The last flurries will come ahead of the big thaw which is due over the weekend and will bring with it the threat of flooding.

As temperatures rise, heavy rain is expected and will increase the flood risk, bringing more misery to those dealing with the aftermath of last month's heavy rains.

There are warnings that up to 20cm (8ins) could fall in some places

Joanna Robinson, Sky News Weather Producer, warned that the cold snap's last gasp would see heavy snow and blizzards moving slowly eastwards across the country today, reaching the far east of England after dark.

She said: "Scotland and northern England can expect 5-10cm (2-4ins), with 20cm (8ins) possible over the hills. The Midlands and East Anglia will see around 2-5cm."

She warned: "There will be drifting and blizzards in the strong wind."

Temperatures are expected to rise to an average of 4C before reaching more than 10C in the south on Sunday.

The Met Office has 12 amber warnings in place from the Midlands up to central England, urging the public to be prepared for likely disruption caused by the heavy snow.

Gritters continue to work to keep the roads clear

There are also a number of yellow warnings in Wales, southwest England and London and the South East.

The number of deaths during the cold snap, which is now into its second week, is now in double figures.

The latest victim was a 42-year-old man who died after his car careered into a river as he was driving his daughter on the school run along a bridle path near the Monsal Trail, north of the A6 in Derbyshire.

Some have been making the most of the bad weather

Other casualties of the cold spell include postman John Bircham, 57, who collapsed soon after he was towed out of a snowdrift in Dulverton, Somerset, on Saturday, and Bernadette Lee, 25, who was found collapsed in the snow in Deal, Kent, on Sunday following a night out.

The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding.

The agency's flood risk manager, Phil Rothwell, said: "A combination of rain and snow melt over the weekend will increase the risk of flooding, especially in south west England, Wales, the West Midlands and northern England.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and have teams ready to respond to any potential flooding."

People are prepared as the cold spelll stretches in to its second week

Darron Burness, of the AA, said the current cold spell would go out with a bang today.

He said: "It's difficult for forecasters to know the extent of the snowfall, so check the local weather and traffic reports before heading out and be prepared for possible disruption.

"Take extra care, particularly on higher ground, and allow extra time for your journey."

The severe weather has caused widespread disruption over the past week, including hundreds of flights cancelled and schools closed.

At one stage 30 people had to spend the night in a shelter after becoming stranded when the A39 between Bridgwater and Williton in Somerset became impassable in the early hours of Wednesday.

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