England awoke to its first snowfall of the year on Monday, with more expected later in the day and an amber alert from the Met Office warning of risks to vulnerable people.
Snow fell over most of England and eastern parts of Wales overnight, with up to 10 centimetres (four inches) expected to land on parts of central and eastern England during the day.
Forecasters at the Met Office issued a level three alert — one below a national emergency — and warned of dangers to the young, old and chronically ill, while motoring organisations urged caution on snowy and icy roads.
“This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services,” the Met Office said.
It predicted cold and icy weather in all parts of England apart from the southwest throughout the week, with snow moving southeastwards through Monday, and little expectation of a thaw in the north and east.
Easterly winds would worsen the chill, it said.
The AA said that 75 percent of drivers were unprepared for the weather, advising motorists to check their cars, carry extra winter kit, beware of ice and keep their speed down.
The RAC said it expected widespread disruption, with a rise in callouts of 20 percent or more.
On Monday, weather caused delays to trains between London and Cambridge and to some services to and from Birmingham.
Temperatures are expected to remain around zero in most of England, apart from a rise up to about 8 degrees Celsius in the west of England and Wales. Snow which fell in Scotland at the weekend was expected to linger.
Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East Anglia were expected to see the most snow on Monday, according to forecasters MeteoGroup.
Snowfall covers England, more expected
