Blizzards set to strike parts of UK today and cause major disruption with up to 6inches of snow expected

A COLD water swimmer braves the freeze yesterday — but blizzards are set to strike parts of Britain today with up to six inches snow possible.

Heavy falls and high winds are predicted across the North and South West, potentially causing major disruption.

Forecasters said the extreme weather included the possibility of freezing rain — raindrops that freeze on impact with the ground, causing dangerous road surfaces.

But the chill did not deter those who wanted to take a dip in Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside, yesterday.

Snow blasted Teesdale, Co Durham, and Middleton Tyas, North Yorks, while skaters enjoyed the freeze in Welney, Norfolk.

The good news is temperatures are expected to jump by up to 15 degrees by mid week.

The recent polar cold snap will be replaced with warmer air coming in from the Atlantic.

There could be rain in London and south east England, south west England and Wales, from around 6pm today.

BBC forecaster Nick Miller explained: “A change to milder weather will begin on Sunday but as that process takes place many places will see a spell of snow before it turns to rain.”

Several multi-car smashes caused a nine-mile stretch of a major Cornish road to close in both directions yesterday.

The A38 at Bickington, Devon, was shut after a four vehicle collision and the A380 at Kingsteignton, Devon, was also closed after a three vehicle pile up.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they had recorded 20 crashes caused by the treacherous driving conditions.

Water UK spokesman Peter Jenkins also warned the “very disruptive” freeze could cause pipes to burst.

He said: “The last thing we want is for people to experience further disruption as temperatures rise this weekend, putting many homes at risk of burst pipes due to freeze-thaw."