31/01/2008 04:44:17
Severe gales have hit the UK, with blizzards set to follow in some areas over the next two days.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings across all regions for Friday and Saturday.
"Gusts of wind of up to 70 mph could lead to local travel disruption before colder conditions arrive," said the Met Office's chief forecaster, Bob Wilderspin.
The Highways Agency has advised road users to take extra care during the difficult conditions. By Thursday lunchtime, the storms had already claimed one life – a lorry driver in Cumbria died when his vehicle overturned on the M6.
Several bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles, and ferry services at Dover have been suspended.