Warning as ice causes chaos across south

Freezing temperatures kept yesterday’s downpour of snow on much of the ground and many roads and footpaths were left frozen overnight.

Meterologists are forecasting the possibility of even more snow over the weekend, although the primary worry at the moment is ice on the roads and pavements.

More schools are today being closed after more than a hundred were forced to shut their doors to pupils and parents yesterday.

Police warned drivers not to venture out in their vehicles unless journeys are absolutely necessary.

Last night temperatures plunged to minus six in southern Hampshire but across the country with Benson in Oxfordshire was one of the UK's coldest spots, plunging to minus 17C.

Parts of Manchester saw the mercury plunge to minus 15C (5F), with Glasgow seeing minus 9C (16F) and even central London falling to minus 3C (27F).

The freezing weather is expected to continue through today and into tomorrow with temperatures unlikely to rise above 1 C.

There is even the threat of more snow over the weekend Gritting lorries have been out over night to keep main routes clear but rural routes and small roads in towns and cities are still effected by snow and ice.

Motorcyclists in particular are being advised to stay off the roads as they are more susceptible to accidents on patches of ice.

Hundreds of homes across the north of Hampshire are without power this morning after lines were damaged last night.

Drivers who were forced to abandon their cars on the A3(M) are being advised to contact police on 101 number to arrange when they can collect their car from 11am today when they hope to start clearing the route which was hit by a blizzard on Tuesday night.

Southampton FC have called off Saturday’s home match against Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s, due to the cold weather.