UK snow LIVE: Hour-by-hour weather forecasts as cold snap hits Britain with blizzards and freezing rain on the way – latest updates

The National Grid has said there have been a number of power cuts as a result of the wintery weather.

It is currently working to restore power across the Midlands, south-west England and South Wales on Saturday, including in Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff.

Motorists are being advised to only travel in Wiltshire if absolutely necessary as the county is hit by heavy snow.

Roads are reportedly being closed due to the weather.

Snow falls in Basingstoke,Hampshire this evening

Passengers disembark from a plane at Luton Airport as snow falls on Saturday night

A brutal Arctic blast has gripped the UK today, plunging large swathes of the country into chaos as heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice bring travel to a standstill.

The Met Office’s amber warnings for snow and ice are now in full force, as roads, railways, and airports face widespread disruption.

Power outages have hit parts of the Midlands, South West, and South Wales, including Birmingham, Cardiff, and Bristol, with crews racing to restore electricity.

Avon and Somerset Police have advised that the public only travel when absolutely necessary due to roads in the region being heavily impacted by snow and ice.

A number of road traffic incidents have been reported across the UK today as a result of the wintery conditions.

Cumbria Police said on Saturday afternoon that it had received numerous calls about a multiple-vehicle collision on Wrynose Pass in the Lake District.

Wiltshire Police said the weather was “causing chaos” all over the county while Avon and Somerset Police warned of significant road disruption in parts of Somerset.

The A303 in Wiltshire was also closed between the A338 Cholderton and A345 Amesbury in both directions due to heavy snowfall, National Highways said

Flight operations have been suspended at Bristol airport as snow storm hits the UK, triggering blackouts and travel chaos.

The major travel hub has confirmed that all flight operations have been suspended until later tonight due to ‘challenging weather’.

The suspension will mainly impact inbound flights, a spokesperson said, and customers are advised to contact airlines for more information. As staff are trying to clear the runway.