Odds slashed on a white Christmas

Arctic weather swept across the country yesterday, with snow, sleet and freezing rain causing treacherous conditions on the roads.

Gale-force winds capsized a racing yacht off Plymouth. The four-man crew, including a 15-year-old boy, were tossed into the water by a 50mph gust which flipped the boat over.

Meteorologists said winds reached gale force 10. Northern Ireland, west Wales and west Cornwall were warned to expect severe gales. Snowfalls of 14cm were recorded in Aberdeen and temperatures fell as low as -6C overnight in Oxfordshire.

Police advised motorists in East Anglia, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire not to travel unless necessary after being called to 68 crashes. Black ice prompted road closures in central Scotland, Grampian and Greater Manchester.

The freezing conditions are forecast to give way to a week of chilly sunshine and blustery showers. Rain moving east will sweep away much of the snow and sleet, with temperatures of up to 9C. The cold snap has prompted the bookmaker William Hill to slash odds of a white Christmas in London from 8/1 to 6/1. In Glasgow, the price is 7/2.