WATCH: Snow falls across MFR area

Schools shut, travel stops, & Dan from Home Run goes out in the cold...

Author: Bryan RutherfordPublished 8th Dec 2017
Last updated 8th Dec 2017

Storm Caroline's bitter grip on the UK is continuing to be felt by homeowners, school children and commuters, with more snowfall across the country.

Snow and ice have been causing problems on day two of the storm with 35-schools shut across the MFR area this morning.

About 8cm (3.1in) of snow had already fallen in Aviemore by dawn today, while Antrim, Kinmel Bay, Leeds and areas to the west of the Pennines had also had a covering.

Travellers saw disruption on train services, with signalling faults between Inverness and Perth, and further north the Georgemas junction has caused problems for services to Wick.

Crews have been battling to keep main routes open along the A9 and A96, but some minor routes have been hit by bad weather...

Storm Caroline continues to bring winds gusting from 60 to 70mph across North Highland with drifting snow also causing problems.

The main areas affected by power outages have been Caithness, Moray and north-east Aberdeenshire.

Earlier today the Met Office extended their snow and ice warning until tomorrow evening.

Met Office meteorologist John West said: "We saw a fairly consistent stream of snow showers overnight, and there will be a constant feed throughout the day and into Friday.

"We could see some fairly significant accumulations. Broadly speaking we're looking at 2cm to 5cm, but in more exposed areas we could see 10cm to 20cm.

"It will also be bitterly cold, with highs of 2C or 3C outside those snow showers. But the wind chill is going to make it feel sub-zero."

Cold temperatures are likely to remain well into next week, with forecasters warning that Sunday could see further heavy snow showers.

The Met Office said icy surfaces are likely to be an additional hazard, especially overnight.

Some 18,000 homes across Scotland have had power cuts due to the weather, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, with all but 500 restored to service.

The energy company warned its customers to remain prepared for the possibility of further disruption.

Dale Cargill, director of operations, said: "Whilst conditions remain extremely challenging today due to the continued high winds, snow and risk of lightning, our teams are working hard to get the remaining customers back on supply."

We've got all the latest on the Severe Weather Hub on the MFR website.