Skiddaw
Snow in Skiddaw (Hannah Brown/Twitter)

Schools have been shut and roads closed because of the snow in northern England and Scotland.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for areas of England and Scotland. It said snowfall will become persistent and heavier over Tuesday morning and will last through the afternoon.

"Strong to gale force easterly winds will drift the snow, especially over upland areas above 150 metres where blizzard conditions are expected. Some transport disruption is expected and possibly to power supplies," the Met Office warned.

"Over upland parts of the east 15 to 25cm of snow could accumulate during daylight hours on Tuesday. The public should be prepared for the possibility of disruption to travel.

The chief forecaster added that between five and 10cm of snow is expected in low levels, while up to 25cm could fall on higher ground.

Areas affected include north east England, Grampian, Central, Tayside and Fife, Strathclyde, South West Scotland and Lothian and Borders.

A statement from the Met Office said: "Snowfalls will become persistent this evening and tonight, heaviest inland over Angus, Fife and eastern Perthshire with blizzards over upland areas.

"Snow settling and drifting. Some drier spells towards Stirling and Crieff. Strong east to northeasterly winds, gales exposed areas. Poor visibility in snowfalls and where winds whip up and drift snow becoming very hazardous with high windchill."

The chief forecaster said icy stretches are likely to develop, increasing the hazardous conditions, while power lines could be affected by the cold weather leaving some without power.

Icy conditions

Edinburgh Airport is advising people to take extra time to get to their airport and to take care while driving.

A number of roads in Scotland are currently closed due to the severe weather; the A68 after Carter Bar is closed in both directions stretching two miles south of the Scottish border. This is due to a road traffic incident and drivers are advised to use the A1 if possible.

Traffic Scotland is also reporting restrictions on the A1 and A6093 between Haddington and Thistly Cross in both directions due to high winds - lane restrictions are in place indefinitely.

High winds are also causing problems on the A92, while the A93 is closed at the snow gate at Spittal of Glenshee in both directions.

Drivers using all routes in the central, Tayside and Fife regions are being advised to be cautious because of the icy conditions.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: "The next 24-48 hours look set to be challenging for our transport networks, commuters and the public.

"We are already doing all we can to ensure Scotland is prepared for disruption. Drivers can play their part by planning journeys in advance and using other forms of transport where available.

"We are in regular contact with the Met Office, the police, operating companies, power suppliers as well as other authorities and agencies to ensure everything that can be done is being done."