Extreme weather: now lightning is added to the mix of threats

Motorists in England and Scotland are facing hours of delays

People walk through heavy snow in Green Park in central London (EPA)

The Met Office chief forecaster has warned: “Strong winds will lead to drifting of snow and severe wind chill, while lightning could be an additional hazard, particularly near coasts.”

The forecasting organisation says challenging conditions will continue over the next two days. In a red warning for the central belt in Scotland, stretching from west of Glasgow to east of Edinburgh, the Met Office said: “Roads will become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers. Some rural communities might be cut off for several days.”

Traffic Scotland said: “If in doubt, avoid travelling”.

In Scotland, a number of high passes on major trunk roads have been closed. Traffic Scotland has closed the A93 through the Cairngorms National Park between Spittal of Glenshee and Braemar, with an additional closure between Cock Bridge and Tomintoul.

Snow has closed the A66 across the Pennines, west from Scotch Corner on the A1, since Tuesday night. Highways England said: “We continue to work with Durham Police to clear the carriageway, multiple snow ploughs and gritters are working at the scene.”

A jack-knifed lorry on the A1(M) south of Scotch Corner blocked the motorway for several hours, while other stretches of the A1 were closed

The M1 southbound is blocked by a collision just north of the M25 and is not expected to be re-opened until mid-afternoon. Coach services using the motorway are being severely disrupted.