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VAST swathes of Britain are under warnings for snow and ice today ahead of a "multi-hazard event".

Parts of Scotland will be blanketed by up to eight inches of snow as Storm Bert strikes this weekend, with a danger to life warning in place tomorrow.

Weather warnings for Friday cover much of the countryCredit: Met Office

An amber warning is also issued for SaturdayCredit: Met Office

Warnings continue into SundayCredit: Met Office

Snow in Ilkeston, Derbyshire todayCredit: Splash

Airports are also urging passengers to double check their flights are still going ahead - and plan routes carefully, with motorists told to stick to main roads.

The storm is set to hit on Saturday and the Met Office is expecting it to bring "heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend", potentially causing travel disruption and flooding.

An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force between 7am and 5pm on Saturday in an area north of Scotland's central belt.

Some 10-20cm is likely to fall on ground above 200m and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400m in the affected area.

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Rain warnings cover much of Wales from 6am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, and south-west England from 6am on Saturday until 11.45pm.

A wind warning also covers coastal areas of southern England from 3pm until 9pm on Saturday.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said Storm Bert was a "multi-hazard event".

Flood warning issued ahead of 'heavy rain' this weekend as extreme cold remains bringing -4C temps and black ice alert

"We're looking at strong winds, some high snowfall accumulation, heavy rain, all in various different parts of the UK," he said.

"So it's quite a complex weather set-up for the weekend. Generally speaking, it's a very unsettled weekend of weather ahead."

He advised the public to keep an eye on the weather reports in their areas.

Claydon said: "Because of the different nature of the weather across the UK, people really need to have an idea of what the forecast is for them specifically.

"Further south it's wind and rain, further north it's snow then rain and wind. So it really depends on where you are in the UK.

"Keep on top of the forecast for your area, and prepare as necessary.

"Obviously, with snow and ice there could be some pretty tricky conditions, especially in the morning (on Saturday).

"So if you are going to leave the house, pay attention to what's going on in your area with the local authorities."

Last night, the national weather agency said much of the UK experienced temperatures near freezing, with the mercury falling as low as -6C at Tulloch Bridge in Scotland.

It follows a cold snap which caused schools to close throughout the UK.

Stranded lorries on the A30 in DevonCredit: UKNIP

A man pushes his car in Ilkeston, DerbyshireCredit: Splash

Snow blankets houses in the village of Dove Holes in the Peak District this morningCredit: LNP

Tom, seven, enjoys the snow in BuxtonCredit: LNP

Scotland remained the worst affected, with more than 54 schools shut in the Highland Council on Friday because of snow.

At least 27 schools in Aberdeenshire were also shut while many others had delayed openings.

South of the border, at least 37 schools were shut in Devon, and three in Dorset.

RAC Breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson warned drivers to be aware of "rapidly changing conditions" on the roads because of Storm Bert.

"Persistent downpours will lead to areas of standing water, so it's important to keep speeds down as the risk of losing control through aquaplaning on a thin layer of water is far greater," she said.

"Drivers should also be very wary of puddles as they can sometimes hide dangerous potholes beneath that can cause expensive damage to vehicles.

"Strong winds increase the risk of debris falling into the road which makes journeys more challenging, particularly in exposed coastal areas where drivers might be at risk of being buffeted off course.

"Routes in Scotland, especially rural ones, look likely to face disruption from fresh snow that is forecast on Friday and Saturday.

"We encourage motorists to stick to major roads where possible and take extra care in the worst-affected areas.

"Those who have to drive should stay tuned to weather forecasts and allow plenty of time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle, as it's dangerous and illegal to drive looking out of a small gap in a frozen windscreen."

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

A cold and frosty start for many, with plenty of sunshine, especially for inland areas.

Scattered wintry showers will continue to feed inland along windward coasts exposed to the brisk northwesterly wind.

Tonight:

Showers will gradually fade during the evening, as cloud increases from the west.

Turning increasingly unsettled overnight with heavy rain, proceeded by hill snow.

Winds strengthening, with gales for some.

Saturday:

Turning wet and windy for all on Saturday as Strom Bert arrives, with some hill snow, particularly across the north.

Becoming widely windy with gales for some. Turning milder.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Wet for many on Sunday as rain clears east, with showers following. Drier and brighter on Monday, but some showers still around. Similar on Tuesday with winds continuing to ease.

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said yesterday: "Through into Friday... snow showers are set to continue mainly around coastal areas though once again still a few feeding inland at times.

"There will also still be plenty of autumnal sunshine. Still feeling cold though, particularly in those brisk winds - once again we're only looking at highs of around 5C, slightly higher in the south west around 7C.

"Across the north those temperatures struggling to move past 2-3C.

"As we head into Friday evening, a change is on its way as we introduce Storm Bert moving its way in from the Atlantic.

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