Councils have urged residents to look after vulnerable people in their communities as the UK braces itself for a weekend of ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings to last until late on Sunday, predicting that up to 20cm (8in) of snow could fall in some places as Storm Caroline leaves an Arctic airflow in its wake.
Forecasters predict heavy snow showers on Sunday and say cold temperatures are likely to remain well into next week.
The Met Office warned that some rural communities could be cut off and there could be delays and cancellations to rail and air travel.
There is a yellow weather warning in place for Saturday as parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, northern England and the Midlands are expected to see at least 2-5cm of snow. Icy surfaces will be a hazard, especially overnight.
A more serious amber warning of heavy snow for Sunday has been issued for large parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England, alongside a yellow warning for strong winds in the south.
By dawn on Friday, about 8cm of snow had fallen in the Highlands, while parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and areas to the west of the Pennines were also blanketed. Schools across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man were closed, and around 500 homes in Scotland were affected by power cuts.
The Local Government Association urged households to show extra vigilance and ensure vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives were safe as the cold weather closes in.
In addition to the 1.5m tonnes of salt that councils have stockpiled in preparation for this winter, the LGA said they would send out local teams to assist the elderly and vulnerable in their communities, delivering hot meals, carrying out emergency household repairs and providing heating.
Martin Tett, the LGA’s transport spokesman, said: “Whether it’s a quick knock at the door to check on an elderly neighbour, or helping carry out emergency repairs, everyone has a role to play to keep each other safe this winter.“Planning for winter remains a key priority for councils, despite ongoing funding pressures and competing demands on their limited resources. Across the country, local authorities have taken the steps necessary to protect their residents from floods, ice, and wintry conditions.”
John West, a Met Office meteorologist, said: ‘We could see some fairly significant accumulations. Broadly speaking we’re looking at 2-5cm, but in more exposed areas we could see 10-20cm.
“It will also be bitterly cold, with highs of 2C or 3C outside those snow showers. But the wind chill is going to make it feel sub-zero.”