UK weather: Police declare ‘major incident’ and Met Office issues rare amber warning as heavy snow causes travel chaos

POLICE have declared a "major incident" and the Met Office has issued a rare amber warning as heavy snow causes travel chaos.

Cops in Cumbria have urged drivers to only travel if necessary as the snowfall continues to play havoc on roads across the county.

Temperatures plunged below freezing on Friday night after Brits saw snow fall in North Yorkshire, Scotland and London.

The minus 11C big freeze has plunged much of the country into bitter conditions.

Meanwhile, Cumbria Police issued its new warning this evening after treacherous conditions on key roads.

The force declared a major incident, saying people should only travel where necessary today.

It highlighted particular risks for those considering travelling in the South Lakes and Millom areas. 

Supt Andy Wilkinson said: "Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads.

"We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.

"I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary - the cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult."

An amber warning was put in place for for snow covering large sections of south and west Cumbria this afternoon, remaining in place until midnight.

A yellow weather warning covering most of the county is also in effect for snow and ice until midnight.

And another yellow weather warning has been issued for between midnight and 11am tomorrow, covering most of the county.

Much of the UK again woke up to frosty skies on Saturday as forecasters suggest the cold snap isn't looking to end soon.

There is a good chance that rural communities could be cut off

The Met Office

Aviemore, in Invernesshire, had the most snowfall overnight with 5cm on the ground as conditions dropped to a shocking minus 11C this morning.

In other parts, temperatures were as low as minus 10C and nearly minus 9C.

The Met Office has now issued an amber warning for snow across the northwest of England.

They have warned travellers to expect delays while vehicles could get stranded.

Power cuts are also highly likely, say the weather service, with mobile phone coverage being affected.

A spokesperson said: "There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off."

Yellow alerts have also been put in place up and down the country.

Northern coast and southwest of Scotland will be impacted as well as the southwest, eastern coast of England and the West Mids.

Alerts will be in place until midday on Sunday.

Snowy conditions could affect some roads and railways, while there is an increased risk of injury from icy surfaces.

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said it will be minus 3C or minus 4C for many towns and cities on Saturday.

She said: "There will be some snow showers continuing across southwestern Scotland throughout Saturday morning, mainly falling over the high ground above one or 200 metres, but there could be some sleet to lower levels across parts of the Lake District, for example, by lunchtime.

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"Elsewhere, though we'll see the mist and fog slowly clear, it could remain quite murky for a lot of the morning across central and eastern areas.

"Elsewhere, though still feeling bitterly cold, not much above freezing.

"Showers in the southwest will push further inland throughout Saturday night, and as they bump into the colder air, they could bring some snow to parts of Wales and central areas such as the Peak District.

"There is a little of uncertainty with that one, but it's only likely to bring a little dusting of snow by Sunday morning."

The forecaster said the lowest temperature recorded on Friday was minus 9.4C in Shap, Cumbria.

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions.

Brits in the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber are being warned to wrap up warm as bitter conditions are predicted to last until next week.

It comes after Glasgow Airport was forced to suspend ALL flights this morning due to "heavier than forecast snow".

Nine football matches in the Scottish Professional Football League have been postponed while Crewe Alexandra's FA Cup tie against Bristol Rovers has been called off.

Newcastle's high-profile racing fixture has also been abandoned.