New warnings of widespread disruption caused by freezing weather have been issued, with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as -16C in some areas.
Snow, ice and fog warnings have been issued, following on from severe weather on Wednesday, with the South West and south of England particularly affected by heavy snow.
Devon and Cornwall saw roads closed and motorists stationary for “long periods of time”, a joint statement from Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon County Council Highways said.
Snow ploughs became stuck in queues of traffic caused by “minor incidents”, the statement added.
Ploughs have been fitted to gritters which will work into Thursday morning to clear routes in the area, police and highways officials said.
Temperatures are expected to fall as low as -16C both in the northeast of England and Scotland, the Met Office has said.
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A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place for northern Scotland until midnight on Thursday and another snow and ice warning is in force for Northern Ireland until 11am on Thursday as sleet and snow showers are set to continue.
Meanwhile, a yellow fog warning has been issued for Northern Ireland until 9am on Thursday.
A further yellow warning for snow and ice affecting Cornwall, much of Wales and parts of northwest England has been issued until 11am on Thursday.
And a yellow ice warning has been issued for parts of southern England and south-east Wales until 10.30am on Thursday.
Travel disruption to road and rail services are likely on Thursday in the warning areas, as well as the potential for accidents in icy places, the forecaster said.
As icy conditions persist, motorists are being urged to stick to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted.
Car insurer RAC said it has seen the highest levels of demand for rescues in a three-day period since December 2022.
