The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow across large swathes of the UK as heavy snowfall is expected to continue throughout the day.

The warning covers Wales, the Midlands, northern and eastern England, where snowfall is expected to continue into the evening.

The snow will be around 10cm deep in most of the country, but could reach as much as 20cm deep on higher ground.

The Met Office warns: “Road, rail and air travel delays are likely, as well as stranding of vehicles and public transport cancellations. 

“There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off.”

There are also snow and ice warnings for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and for gale force winds in the south of England.

Winds could reach speeds of up to 70mph in the south of England and Wales, with heavy rain that could freeze, making surfaces icy and dangerous.

Freezing cold temperatures may reach as low as -10C in some parts of Scotland and Wales, and could be even lower, at -14C in isolated rural areas.

Drivers have been warned of icy roads, while some vehicles could become stranded amid the heavy snowfall.

Highways England asked drivers to prepare for “any eventuality” by taking warm clothing, food, drink, medicine, boots, a shovel and a torch if making a journey in the snow.

Traffic Scotland said drivers should increase their stopping distances and make sure they have a de-icer and scraper for windscreens.

There is already travel disruption on East Midlands Trains and Chiltern Railways due to the snow. More providers could follow as Britain shuts down in the icy weather.

Flights also face delays from Manchester Airport, while Birmingham Airport has suspended all flights while snow is cleared from the runway.

Airline passengers travelling to and from Northern Ireland have been advised to leave additional travel time in the cold weather.

In the Midlands, motorways are covered in a thick blanket of snow, and drivers have been told not to travel unless they absolutely have to.

While in North Wales, 4x4 drivers are taking hospital staff to work and the Red Cross are helping to move blood supplies and medical equipment, the BBC reports.

And in the south west, over 2,500 people have been affected by power cuts due to snow and high winds.