First snow, then ice and now FLOODS as UK hit with warning that rivers could burst their banks as the big freeze begins to thaw
MELTING snow and heavy rain prompted flood warnings today over fears rivers could burst their banks after wintry conditions forced schools to shut for a third day.
A van driver had to be rescued from 3ft of water in Essex today as 21 flood alerts were issued with deluges possible across the country from the Wales and the South West, through the Midlands and the North East of England.
The warnings came after temperatures dropped to -3C as the UK continued to shiver in the grip of a cold snap - and forecasters warned the weekend will be even colder, leaving 4C Moscow feeling positively balmy by comparison.
And Brits are in for yet more bad weather with a "rollercoaster" of temperatures expected as Christmas draws nearer.
Most of the 14 flood alerts in England and Wales are because of melting snow and rain, while coastal areas will be hit by high tides.
The swollen Lower River Soar in Leicestershire could flood low-lying land from 1am tonight.
Residents have been urged to "prepare, remain vigilant and avoid walking and driving through flood water".
A similar warning has been issued for the River Trent in Derbyshire and the River Swift and Upper Avon on the Leicestershire-Northants border.
The River Severn in Shropshire and Powys is also swollen by snowmelt and rain and is expected to rise another ten feet overnight at Crew Green.
The Worfe, Tern and Perry rivers in Shropshire, the River Blythe in Warwickshire, and the River Kym and its tributaries in Northamptonshire are also on flood alert because of recent snowfalls.
In Wales there are flood alerts covering the Severn, Wye, Bran, Gwydderig, Vyrnwy, Upper Towy, Dyfi and Conwy rivers.
Meanwhile there are fears the River Dee could burst its banks in Llangollen.
Earlier today firefighters used a dinghy to rescue a van driver who got stuck in three and a half feet of water in Ingatestone, Essex.
After seeing the coldest night of the year on Monday at -13C, temperatures rose slightly today and were set to hit double figures in some parts.
But the chill is expected to return, bringing sleet, snow and ice back with it.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for ice, which covers nearly the entire country - with the exception of London, the South East and South West.
Dozens of schools closed on Monday and Tuesday over concerns for untreated roads and problems with staff making their way into work.
Today 26 were closed in Herefordshire, 14 in Shropshire, ten in Worcestershire and at least 24 across Wales.
The Met Office has forecast showers across the country today - further swelling the rivers at risk of flooding.
The cold weather is expected to return over the weekend, with northerly winds blowing in throughout the day on Friday.
Some coastal areas will see a downpour with these winds.
It will remain fairly dry on Saturday, but forecasters predict widespread frost during a chilly day.
Sunday should see rain coming in from the northwest to continue the gloomy winter weather, but temperatures should start to rise slightly, with it feeling milder in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Snell added: "It's a bit of a rollercoaster on the temperatures over the next four or five days.
"We're not likely to see the -13C of the other night, but we could see temperatures potentially at -7C in a few spots, but generally remaining cold but not as cold as we started the week."
Air and rail services, which were disrupted earlier this week by the weather, appear to be returning back to normal, with the Eurotunnel running on time and flights operating as normal out of Heathrow.
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