KEY POINTS

  • Met Office issues warnings of ice across UK.
  • Temperatures set to fall as low as -15C.
  • Cold weather forces schools to close and travel disruption.

Drivers have been told to take care while on the road as the recent snowfall that blanketed the UK is expected to turn into ice.

The Met office has issued weather warnings for ice across the UK on 11 December following a weekend which saw temperatures plummet to as low as -11C (11F) in North East England.

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Forecasts have warned the sub zero temperatures will remain in some rural locations where there has been snow, with the possibility of it falling to as low as -15C in some areas - with even the cities getting below freezing.

The cold weather has already resulted in hundreds of schools in Gloucestershire, Shropshire and parts of Wales being closed for the day, as well as the cancellation of flights and trains services.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Ice is expected to form on some surfaces Sunday night (10 December) and into Monday morning. Some injuries are possible from slips and falls on icy surfaces and there will probably be some icy patches on untreated roads and cycle paths.

"On Monday morning some snow may fall over parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Some accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible above 100m but at lower levels no accumulations are expected, instead a mixture of rain and sleet is most likely.

Uk weather
Motorists are being warned of havoc on the roads as the recent snow turns into ice Getty

"Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer and more difficult journeys. As well as this lying snow from Sunday will continue to be a hazard leading to longer and potentially hazardous journeys."

The RAC's road safety spokesperson said they are expecting around 11,000 breakdowns to occur on Monday, a 20% increase on the seasonal average, and have offered tips on how to avoid any accidents while driving in the "treacherous" conditions.

RAC's tips on how to prepare for driving on ice

  • Firstly, think about whether your journey is really necessary.
  • Tyre grip is hugely reduced on icy roads, and braking distances are much longer.
  • Even if you avoid an accident, your car may get stuck – potentially leading to a long walk home. Traffic congestion is likely to be worse, too. If you don't get stuck, the driver in front of you probably will...
  • Before you leave home, make sure you pack a charged mobile phone (and a charger cable), a bottle of water, a few snacks and a warm blanket. If snowfall looks likely, a set of snow socks – high-grip fabric covers fitted over the car's driven wheels – is worth having, too.
  • If you're driving to meet someone, let them know your route and when you expect to arrive. Make sure the car's windows and mirrors are completely clear before you set off. And in cars with selectable drive modes, select the best option for cold conditions.