Britain set to become ‘ice rink’ as new warnings issued after 600-mile snow bomb

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    Britain is braced for “ice rink Monday” as the deep freeze continues following the biggest snow bomb for two years.

    The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice in the East Midlands, West Midlands, north of England and much of north and central Wales until midday on Monday. Temperatures have plunged below freezing across swathes of the UK with up to 15cm of snow sparking major travel disruption.

    The mercury plummeted to -12C in Scotland, while a “major incident” has been declared in Cumbria after heavy snowfall left more than 2,500 people without power. Cumbria Police warned people not to travel to the famous Lake District, while the county’s fire service said it was deploying four-wheel-drive vehicles to help “vulnerable people stuck in the snow”.

    READ MORE: 'Coldest winter ever' predicted for UK with warning for snow and ice ahead

    For the latest news and updates on weather across the country, click here.

    It came after Cumbria’s Highway teams were “verbally abused” as they attempted to keep roads open, said police. Drivers were warned they face a manic Monday with so much snow falling that grit will not work – despite 2,000 gritters working round the clock.

    Derbyshire County Council said: “Salt only works when the snow is less than 40mm deep and traffic can move the salt around.” And the Department for Transport warned: “Salt may not prevent compacted snow.”

    Roadside assistance firms face their busiest day for a year with 35,000 breakdowns expected on Monday. The RAC’s Simon Williams said: “It could be ice rink Monday. We’re expecting our highest callouts since last winter.

    “Consider whether your journey is essential or if you can work from home. There will be increased collisions and bumps and flat batteries. If you do drive, increase your braking distance and drive according to the conditions.”

    • Met Office issues urgent 'ice and snow' warnings as UK set for deep freeze overnight

    In a blow to working parents, hundreds of schools in the north and Midlands are set to be closed on Monday after a blanketing of the white stuff. More flurries are forecast to hit the north on Monday and Tuesday with heavy rain set to the soak the south-west.

    The Met Office said: “Monday will see rain, heavy at times, with snow over the hills. Some snow is also likely, mainly across the hills and mountains of North Wales and the Peak District.”

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