-15C Arctic blast to create havoc

15 INCHES OF SNOW FORECAST

- Robert Kellaway

UP TO 15in of snow could hit the UK this week, forecasters warned as temperatures dipped to a bone-chilling -15C.

The Met Office alert for heavy snow - even in lower-lying areas came after much of the country was blanketed yesterday by the Arctic blast.

Yellow warnings will cover the North, North Wales, most of Scotland and Northern Ireland between 3am tomorrow and 6pm on Friday.

It will bring chaos to roads, railways and buses and the danger of people slipping on ice.

Met Office experts have said 11-15in of snow could fall across Scotland's Central Belt and Southern Highlands.

And 6-15in could cover the North, even in cities, as the cold snap tightens its grip.

Homes in rural areas may be cut off from the grid, with others experiencing power cuts and patchy phone signals.

The RAC said it was essential” drivers carried blankets, food and drink and a phone charger in case they became snowbound.

RAC breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: Anyone who isn’t confident with winter driving might want to postpone their journey until temperatures increase.”