[chris]

On Wednesday, March 8, snow and ice began to blanket the UK after local authorities issued a five-day weather alert.

In England, schools as far south as Hampshire closed because of snow. Dozens of schools in the Scottish Highlands and Wales also announced closures due to treacherous snowy conditions.

Train services were suspended in parts of London, the South, and across Wales, with other services affected by wintry weather across the country. Commuters in South East London were seen on a snowy platform at Petts Wood station.

Police warned against travel in some parts of the south as Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Surrey were hit by snowfall. Snow covered roofs and the steep cobbled street at Gold Hill in Dorset. Bristol Airport suspended all flights after snow fell across the west of England.

Northern regions recorded snow overnight, with road closures and vehicles left stranded. Drivers were urged to pack extra provisions in case they became stranded in treacherous conditions.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice were in place for the south and east of England, south Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland until early Thursday. The Met Office also warned that ice would be an additional hazard through the week as regions experience sub-zero temperatures.