Weather warnings for wind, rain and snow cover much of country, with 16 flood alerts in place
Storm Bert has hit the UK, with snow closing roads and strong rains and winds expected to cause further travel disruption and potential flooding.
Weather warnings and 13 flood alerts have come into effect across much of the country.
Rail companies have urged passengers to avoid travelling to certain areas and some warned of reduced services. National Highways issued a “severe weather alert” for snow affecting Yorkshire and north-east England between 5am and 3pm on Saturday.
The A628 in Yorkshire remained closed overnight in both directions between the A616 Hollingworth and the A57 Flouch due to snow, National Highways said. The A66 Trans-Pennine route was closed between the A6 and the M6 (J40).
An amber alert for heavy snow and ice is in force until 5pm on Saturday in areas across Scotland, where 10-20cm is likely on ground above 200 metres and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400 metres.
The weather warning covers parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and some of the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
The annual Perth Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled over safety and travel concerns.
A second amber warning is in place until midday on Saturday covering parts of Yorkshire and north east England.
