Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK, with several centimetres of snow forecast to hit the West Midlands as temperatures plummet below freezing.
The Met Office alerts came into effect early Thursday morning, covering much of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Forecasters predict the heaviest snowfall in northern England and Scotland, with upland areas potentially seeing more than 10cm of accumulation.
The West Midlands faces 2-5cm of snow at lower levels, with winds of up to 20mph making conditions feel significantly colder than daytime temperatures of 0°C to 2°C. Higher ground across the region could see considerably more snow.
Travel disruption is expected across road, rail and potentially air networks as the combination of snow and ice creates hazardous conditions. Local authorities are preparing gritting operations, but drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Workers struggling to reach their workplace face uncertainty over pay, as UK employment law does not require employers to pay staff unable to attend work due to severe weather unless contracts specify otherwise. However, many companies offer flexible arrangements such as working from home, taking annual leave or making up lost time.
The Met Office urges the public to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling, allow extra journey time and ensure vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving. Pedestrians should be particularly wary of slippery surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to keep homes adequately heated and check on vulnerable neighbours during the cold spell. The warnings are expected to remain in place for 24 to 48 hours, with conditions gradually easing towards the weekend, though residual ice may persist.