[Magic]

Snow has fallen across much of the UK, with drivers being warned to beware of black ice on the roads.

Snow and freezing rain from the Arctic hit Britain overnight but it has since largely stopped, with milder weather towards the west and spreading east.

However, there remains a risk of widespread ice on roads and pavements, particularly in East Anglia.

BBC weather forecaster Phil Avery said Northern Ireland, west Wales and west Cornwall should expect severe gales.

A Met Office severe weather warning for icy roads is in force across the affected areas of the UK, including Cambridgeshire, East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

In Greater Manchester, the M62 was temporarily closed eastbound between junctions 21 and 22 because of ice.

Several roads remain closed in central Scotland and Grampian after snow on Saturday led to treacherous conditions on higher ground.

The A93 between Spittal of Glenshee and Braemar and sections of the A939 are shut.

In Lincolnshire, police advised motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

The BBC's Phil Avery said conditions had improved first in the west.

The milder air is accompanied by a blustery north-west wind and heavy rain.

Afternoon temperatures will range from 8-12C for Northern Ireland and the west of the UK, but will climb no higher than 6C in the east.

The AA has advised motorists to be aware of the greater stopping distances required in ice and snow.

Councils across the country have used gritter lorries to clear roads of any snow and ice.

And older people are being warned by charity Age Concern to take extra care to stay warm in the freezing weather.

Bookmakers William Hill have slashed the odds on snow falling on Christmas Day in London from 8/1 to 6/1 and in Glasgow the odds are 7/2.

Several centimetres of snow fell in some parts of the UK on Saturday, with 5cm (2in) recorded in Aberdeen.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7743805.stm