SNOW, rain and freezing conditions continued to sweep across the UK after the coldest night in nearly two years.
Temperatures plummeted overnight, with a low of -13.5C (7.7F) recorded in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie, while freezing temperatures were recorded as far south as London Luton Airport.
The Met Office issued a yellow “be aware” warning of snow and ice to cover much of Scotland, north Wales and England down to southern parts.
The warning was valid from 6am until 6pm yesterday and pointed to the likelihood of snow on higher routes and rain on frozen surfaces for a time, particularly across Scotland.
Icy patches were found on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, while some disruption was evident to journeys by road, bus and train on affected routes.
Traffic Scotland and North Ayrshire police warned people to drive “very carefully”
They also urged drivers to check their routes before setting off and to ensure they were carrying emergency supplies in case they get stuck.
Glasgow Airport was temporarily closed so the runway could be cleared following heavy snow.
Police Scotland asked drivers to avoid the A82 in the Glencoe area where drifting snow and white-out conditions were described as “hazardous”.
They requested the public to stay safe and not drive into the area following a two-car collision near to Glencoe Mountain Resort which resulted in the road closing.
Five people sustained injuries that are not thought to be life threatening.
The snow gates at Glencoe were subsequently closed.
On Friday, members of the public had been urged to stay off the roads but that didn’t prevent skiers from contributing to six-mile tailbacks as they flocked to the slopes at Glencoe Mountain Resort to take advantage of the snowy conditions.
Inspector Jen Valentine said: “We have officers at the scene of the collision and the weather conditions in the area are extremely poor.
“We have closed the A82 whilst we deal with the collision and get those injured off to hospital and I would ask that drivers avoid the area at this time.
“For those who are currently at Glencoe Mountain Resort or at homes, hotels and restaurants in the area I would urge them to stay where they are and to stay safe and warm as there will potentially be a significant delay, due to the road conditions, in getting people out of the area.
“We will post updates on social media to keep people informed.
“We are working closely with Glencoe Mountain Resort, Traffic Scotland, Mountain Rescue teams and Highland Council to ensure the dispersal of visitors to the Glencoe area today happens as quickly but also as safely as possible.”
The weather has also prompted a series of flood warnings to be issued across the UK.
The Environment Agency has issued the alerts for the River Bray from Challacombe to Meethe, including Brayford and Clapworthy and the River Mole from South Molton to Newnham Bridge, including Alswear.
Devon and Cornwall Police said heavy rainfall caused localised flooding and landslides, while properties in Kentisbury, Swimbridge and Landkey in Barnstaple were evacuated.
North Wales Police also warned of poor conditions on the roads due to snow and ice, particularly on routes in Snowdonia.
The Mountain Road was closed on the Isle of Man due to snow.
Some parts of the UK, including areas in Somerset, experienced localised flooding.
In Northern Ireland, a yellow warning of ice was in force until 9am yesterday, while a yellow warning of rain ran until 3pm.
Saturday night saw the coldest temperature recorded in the UK since February 14 2016, when minus 14.1C (6.6F) was recorded at Braemar.
Despite the frigid temperatures in the far north, the mercury rose to 11C in the (52F) in the far south west of England.
Met Office forecaster Steven Keate described the near 20C (46F) difference, caused as warmer air moves in, as “pretty unusual for the UK”.
“The broad theme is it is turning milder from the west, but before we get there some snow will fall.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here