UK weather latest updates: RAF mobilised to help hospitals and vulnerable people amid freezing conditions as gas shortage warning issued
Britain faces another day of sub-zero temperatures, icy blasts and blizzard-like conditions
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Hundreds of drivers spent the night in their cars amid bitterly cold temperatures after becoming stranded on roads as heavy snow continues to cripple the UK's transport system.
Schools around the country were to be closed on Thursday as Britain braced for another day of sub-zero temperatures, icy blasts and "blizzard-like" conditions.
Many roads have been left impassable by drifts of snow, while trains and flights have also been hit by delays and cancellations as Storm Emma rolls in from the Atlantic and meets the chilly Siberian air of the so-called "Beast from the East".
Follow for live updates as the country faces another day of disruption.
Temperatures plunged to lows of -6C overnight, and the Met Office warned it could feel as cold as -11C during the day as winds continue to strengthen.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said has said the armed forces are here to help those in trouble because of the snow.
"Our Armed Forces stand ready to help as Britain is hit by severe weather," he said.
"We've already seen the RAF helping doctors and nurses get to some of the most vulnerable people.
"Our service personnel are showing great dedication and a spirited sense of duty as they support local authorities and keep the British people safe."
A number of police forces across the country have issued warnings urging people not to travel by road unless it's an emergency.
Greyhound rescued from lake
Firefighters are urging people to stay away from frozen lakes and rivers after they had to rescue a dog in Langdon Park in Teddington, London, last night.
A man and woman were walking the greyhound off the lead when it entered a lake and became stuck on an island.
The man tried to swim over to the dog but could not reach it. The pair then called the fire service, which used a specialist boat to rescue the dog.
Mark Hazelton, from the London Fire Brigade, said: “We would urge all dog owners to ensure they keep their pets on a lead while out walking as this freezing weather persists. Usually when dogs run onto ice and get stuck, they will eventually get themselves back onto dry land.
"As soon as ponds and lakes freeze over we know there is a risk that people may make the mistake of walking on and falling through the ice.
"Some people take astonishing risks, especially pet owners whose dogs have gone onto the ice and young people who seem unaware of the dangers.
"Please, for your own safety, stay off of any frozen pond, lake or canal as there is a high risk it wont take your weight and when it's cold, hypothermia sets in rapidly and can prove fatal.
"If your dog or any other animal ends up on the ice, stay put and call 999 so firefighters can rescue it, rather than taking risks yourself."
The RAC said it had attended 8,000 breakdowns across the UK as of 5pm - with the West Midlands the busiest region.
A spokesman said: "Conditions continue to be very challenging for drivers with an ongoing risk of disruptive snow and then ice from tomorrow.
"Our patrols are doing everything they can to reach stricken motorists.
"Drivers should think about whether their journey is really necessary and keep tuned to forecasts and updates from Highways England and its equivalents in Wales and Scotland."
The military are helping out people stuck in the snow, but it doesn't mean they don't have time for a snowball fight.
Fallen tree traps Manchester teenagers
Two male teenagers have been taken to hospital after they were trapped under a fallen conifer tree in Blackley, Manchester.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines and a rescue unit were called to the scene in Erskine Road shortly after 2.10pm.
Firefighters used a chainsaw and cutting gear to release the pair who suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.
By 5pm on Thursday, the RAC had attended 8,000 breakdowns across the UK - which was 70% more than expected in early March.
The worst hit region was the West Midlands, where the number of call outs was double the normal rate for this time of year.
An RAC spokesman said: "As well as towing members out of snowdrifts, our patrols have also seen a lot of other problems that tend to only come up in the extreme cold - such as frozen washer bottles and frozen diesel fuel lines, plus blown fuses and wiper motors after windscreen wipers have stuck to windscreens."
A baby was born on the A66 in freezing conditions after the terrible driving conditions prevents the family reaching the hospital.
Sienna Waring was delivered by her father Andrew as he tried to get her mother Daniella to hospital.
She was born near Stockton-on-Tees moments before paramedics arrived at the scene, weighed 10lb 1oz and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for a warm-up.
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