UK weather latest updates: RAF mobilised to help hospitals and vulnerable people amid freezing conditions as gas shortage warning issued

Britain faces another day of sub-zero temperatures, icy blasts and blizzard-like conditions

UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast

Hundreds of drivers spent the night in their cars amid bitterly cold temperatures after becoming stranded on roads as heavy snow continues to cripple the UK's transport system.

Schools around the country were to be closed on Thursday as Britain braced for another day of sub-zero temperatures, icy blasts and "blizzard-like" conditions.

Many roads have been left impassable by drifts of snow, while trains and flights have also been hit by delays and cancellations as Storm Emma rolls in from the Atlantic and meets the chilly Siberian air of the so-called "Beast from the East".

Follow for live updates as the country faces another day of disruption.

Temperatures plunged to lows of -6C overnight, and the Met Office warned it could feel as cold as -11C during the day as winds continue to strengthen.

Key Points

• 'Danger to life' as Met Office issues red alert for parts of England and Wales
• National Grid warns gas supplies could run out due to cold
• RAF deployed to help hospitals and vulnerable people
• Drivers stranded in cars overnight by heavy snow
• A&E departments struggling under 'immense' challenge
• Elderly woman found dead in heavy snow 

[1 March 2018 21:21 · Kristin Hugo]

[1 March 2018 21:32 · Kristin Hugo]

Troops have been called in to transport hundreds of hospital staff through extreme weather conditions.

Soldiers from 3 Rifles and 2 Scots, based in Dreghorn Barracks and Penicuik, were deployed at 6pm on Thursday.

They were to support the movement of about 200 critical care workers over their shift change periods at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Western General.

[1 March 2018 22:53 · Kristin Hugo]

Hampshire Police said it had called for the military to help as it dealt with a "build-up of traffic" and stranded motorists on the A31.

The force tweeted: "We have requested military assistance & are on the scene with our partners & are working to get people out as soon as possible. Rest centres are being set up by hantsconnect & food & drink is being taken to those who are stranded."

[1 March 2018 23:20 · Kristin Hugo]

Avon and Somerset Police said it was dealing with up to 100 cars stranded in snow on the A303 at Ilminster and a further 20 on the A358 at Thornfalcon.

It urged those stranded to stay in their vehicles and call for assistance.