Lockdown treat as families frolic in the white stuff, sledding, building snowmen and even having a snowball fight outside Buckingham Palace after people across the South were woken by deafening 'thundersnow' clap this morning

  • Britons up and down the country woke up to heavy snow fall blanketing roads and their homes this morning
  • Forecasters said -7C blizzard conditions would hit many areas of Britain as a blast of Arctic air sweeps the UK
  • A blast of Arctic air is sweeping towards the UK after last week's Storm Christoph continued to cause chaos
  • Temporary barriers along the River Severn in Worcestershire were breached after a 'tidal wave' of floodingFamilies enjoyed a lockdown treat today as an Arctic blast hit the UK, with Britons rushing to sled, build snowmen and have snowball fights. 

    By mid-morning on Sunday, the flakes were falling thick and fast in London and elsewhere, with the Met Office saying up to six inches could fall by the end of the day.

    The cold snap is expected to last until Wednesday and temperatures are expected to plummet to -7C in parts of northern England and -10C in Scotland. 

    Britons took full advantage of the snowy weather, flocking to frolic and build snowmen, with a snowball fight even breaking out outside Buckingham Palace.  

    However, residents in Hampshire got a shock when they were awoke by a 'thundersnow' strike. 

    According to the Met Office the phenomenon is defined as 'when thunderstorms form in wintry conditions, they can sometimes give rise to heavy downpours of snow which are often called 'thundersnow'.

    'Thundersnow is unusual only because it can only occur in a few months of the year.'

    Reacting to the strike, one person near Portsmouth posted: 'So this just woke up the whole village with a jump. Anyone else?'

    Another said 'Man alive! That sure woke me up.'

    A third wrote 'Woken up by thundersnow?. It takes a lot to wake me but was that loud.'

    Though the strike wasn't heard in other places in the UK, photos showed the snow spreading across the country, with even the capital getting a dusting.    

    People play in the snow on Primrose Hill in London as the capital experiences a rare covering of snow on Sunday

    People play in the snow on Primrose Hill in London as the capital experiences a rare covering of snow on Sunday

    People have a snowball fight in front of Buckingham Palace during snowfall in London this morning as they enjoy the snow

    People have a snowball fight in front of Buckingham Palace during snowfall in London this morning as they enjoy the snow

    A snowy Stonehenge in Wiltshire after Britons across the country woke up to heavy snowfall with an Arctic blast battering Britain

    Snow on the roofs of houses in, Bristol, where snow fell overnight. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Snow on the roofs of houses in, Bristol, where snow fell overnight. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Martin Bowles, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'The biggest hazard over the next couple of days is going to be ice because we're getting these snow showers which will all freeze overnight'

    Martin Bowles, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'The biggest hazard over the next couple of days is going to be ice because we're getting these snow showers which will all freeze overnight'

    Ruff weather! A husky looks out the windscreen from a van in Camberley, January 24, as snow covers parts of Britain

    Ruff weather! A husky looks out the windscreen from a van in Camberley, January 24, as snow covers parts of Britain

    By mid-morning on Sunday, the flakes were falling thick and fast in London and elsewhere, with the Met Office saying up to six inches could fall by the end of the day. Pictured: People seen crossing the Westminster Bridge during snowfall on January 24

    By mid-morning on Sunday, the flakes were falling thick and fast in London and elsewhere, with the Met Office saying up to six inches could fall by the end of the day. Pictured: People seen crossing the Westminster Bridge during snowfall on January 24White wedding? A man seems to pop the question to his partner in a winter wonderland at Shepton Mallet's Collett Park

    White wedding? A man seems to pop the question to his partner in a winter wonderland at Shepton Mallet's Collett Park

    A snow-covered London bus as the capital was battered by thick flakes of frost this morning, a scene repeated across the country

    A snow-covered London bus as the capital was battered by thick flakes of frost this morning, a scene repeated across the country

    Heavy snow and ice led to a crop of crashes this morning, including a gritter lorry which overturned near the village of Holne on Dartmoor in Devon and blocked the road. 

    Another lorry jack-knifed in an accident in Norfolk. The vehicle skidded out of control and ended up sideways across the A148 at Hillington, near King's Lynn. Luckily, it didn't hit any other traffic and the driver escaped shaken but unhurt.

    Two people were also cut out of their car with hydraulic rescue equipment by firefighters in Kent. The vehicle had collided with a tree in the early hours amid wintry conditions, leaving the driver and their injured passenger trapped in the freezing cold, police said. 

    Highways England warned that the snow had caused collisions on the M3, M27 and M25. The agency urged drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary.

    The public were warned to expect some icy patches on untreated roads and pavements, with journeys by road and rail likely to be affected. A similar warning is in place down the east coast of Scotland and covering most of the island of Ireland. 

    The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due to set in across most parts of the country on Sunday evening. The wintry showers will continue in north and western parts of the UK. 

    The Met Office said disruptions caused by snow were likely to continue throughout Sunday. It said in a Twitter post: 'Outbreaks of snow will continue over parts of north Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and south-east England with some further significant accumulations causing disruption.

    A woman enjoys a snowball fight in the snow in Trafalgar Square, in central London, on January 24

    A woman enjoys a snowball fight in the snow in Trafalgar Square, in central London, on January 24

    A family enjoy time out in the snow together on Primrose Hill, north London, on January 24, amid snowfall across Britain

    A family enjoy time out in the snow together on Primrose Hill, north London, on January 24, amid snowfall across Britain 

    A herd of deer walks through the snow in Windsor, January 24. The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due to set in across most parts of the country on Sunday evening. The wintry showers will continue in north and western parts of the UK

    A herd of deer walks through the snow in Windsor, January 24. The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due to set in across most parts of the country on Sunday evening. The wintry showers will continue in north and western parts of the UK

    A spectacular snow smash this morning as a gritter trying to keep the roads safe overturned near the village of Holne on Dartmoor in Devon

    A spectacular snow smash this morning as a gritter trying to keep the roads safe overturned near the village of Holne on Dartmoor in Devon

    People walk through Green Park during snowfall in London, January 24. Highways England warned that the snow had caused collisions on the M3, M27 and M25. The agency urged drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary

    People walk through Green Park during snowfall in London, January 24. Highways England warned that the snow had caused collisions on the M3, M27 and M25. The agency urged drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary

    Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January as the Met Office gets ready to put in place five new weather warnings for snow and ice

    Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January as the Met Office gets ready to put in place five new weather warnings for snow and ice

    A snowman wearing a pale blue face mask is seen on Wimbledon Common, London, on January 24 after Storm Christoph

    A snowman wearing a pale blue face mask is seen on Wimbledon Common, London, on January 24 after Storm Christoph 

    Two snowmen are seen at Pinkneys Green in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on January 24 amid snowfall across the country

    Two snowmen are seen at Pinkneys Green in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on January 24 amid snowfall across the country 

    Snow in Grayswood, Surrey with cars covered. The scene was repeated all over Britain as an Arctic blast battered the nation

    Snow in Grayswood, Surrey with cars covered. The scene was repeated all over Britain as an Arctic blast battered the nation

    Residents are caught in a snow blizzard on Wimbledon common creating a winter wonderland scene in the capital this morning

    Residents are caught in a snow blizzard on Wimbledon common creating a winter wonderland scene in the capital this morning


  • Gold Hill at Shaftesbury in Dorset is covered in snow at dawn after a heavy wintry shower overnight. Snow blanketed vast swathes of Britain this morning

    Gold Hill at Shaftesbury in Dorset is covered in snow at dawn after a heavy wintry shower overnight. Snow blanketed vast swathes of Britain this morning

    Children sledge down Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Children sledge down Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Snow blankets the woodlands on a cold morning in the countryside at Clayfield Copse, Berkshire, a sight repeated across the UK

    Snow blankets the woodlands on a cold morning in the countryside at Clayfield Copse, Berkshire, a sight repeated across the UK

    People sledging on Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Britons enjoy the snow as it covers the nation this morning

    People sledging on Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Britons enjoy the snow as it covers the nation this morning

    Snowy conditions on the A46 near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January as the Met Office gets ready to put in place five new weather warnings for snow and ice

    Snowy conditions on the A46 near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January as the Met Office gets ready to put in place five new weather warnings for snow and ice

    Snow-topped houses in the Cotswolds this morning as snow continues to fall across the UK following last week's Storm Christoph

    Snow-topped houses in the Cotswolds this morning as snow continues to fall across the UK following last week's Storm Christoph

    A view of a garden as the occupant wakes up to a fall of snow in South East Wales this morning with vast swathes across the UK

    A view of a garden as the occupant wakes up to a fall of snow in South East Wales this morning with vast swathes across the UK

    People enjoy the snow in Bristol this morning after Britons all over the country woke up to vast swathes of frost on Sunday

    People enjoy the snow in Bristol this morning after Britons all over the country woke up to vast swathes of frost on Sunday

    A driver tries to clear a thick layer of snow that settled on their car after a flurry this morning in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

    A driver tries to clear a thick layer of snow that settled on their car after a flurry this morning in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

    People sledging on Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset this morning as they tried to get the most of the widespread snow fall

    People sledging on Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset this morning as they tried to get the most of the widespread snow fall

    Snow on the roofs of houses in, Bristol, where snow fell overnight. This scene was repeated across the country this morning

    Snow on the roofs of houses in, Bristol, where snow fell overnight. This scene was repeated across the country this morning

    The statue of Winston Churchill is seen, as snow falls in London this morning. Warnings are in place with forecasters telling the public to mind icy roads

    The statue of Winston Churchill is seen, as snow falls in London this morning. Warnings are in place with forecasters telling the public to mind icy roads

    Heavy snow and ice led to a crop of crashes this morning, including a lorry which jack-knifed in a spectacular accident in Norfolk

    Heavy snow and ice led to a crop of crashes this morning, including a lorry which jack-knifed in a spectacular accident in Norfolk

    People walking in the snow in Battersea Park, London. By mid-morning on Sunday, the flakes were falling thick and fast in the capital and elsewhere, with meteorologists warning drivers to take care on icy roads

    People walking in the snow in Battersea Park, London. By mid-morning on Sunday, the flakes were falling thick and fast in the capital and elsewhere, with meteorologists warning drivers to take care on icy roads

    People go sledging in the snow on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath this morning. Parts of the country saw snow and icy conditions as arctic air caused temperatures to drop

    People go sledging in the snow on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath this morning. Parts of the country saw snow and icy conditions as arctic air caused temperatures to drop

    Snow covers parked cars and roads in west London this morning. The Met Office issued ice warnings across the country

    Snow covers parked cars and roads in west London this morning. The Met Office issued ice warnings across the country

    Snow surrounds a farm in Little Hayfield in the Peak District National Park, in Derbyshire this morning

    Snow surrounds a farm in Little Hayfield in the Peak District National Park, in Derbyshire this morning

    Cyclists make their way through Richmond Park this morning during a heavy snowfall. Snow has caused much chaos across the country today

    Cyclists make their way through Richmond Park this morning during a heavy snowfall. Snow has caused much chaos across the country todayPeople walk as snow falls in Wandsworth Common, in London, January 24, following snowfall across the country

    People walk as snow falls in Wandsworth Common, in London, January 24, following snowfall across the country 

    'Wintry showers will also affect western parts with local temporary accumulations and a risk of ice.'

    This morning's chaos comes after last week's storm continued to cause havoc yesterday. 

    Temporary barriers along the River Severn in Worcestershire were breached, with residents describing the surging floodwaters as a 'tidal wave'.

    Defences at the riverside town of Bewdley failed, leaving homes and businesses under water and residents devastated.

    Irene Buxton, 70, who lives near the defences, said she was woken by a 'crash' as the barriers collapsed on Friday night.

    'I looked out of the window and it was like a tidal wave going towards the town,' she said.

    'The water is in my hall and in my kitchen and we're just battling to keep it out of the living room.'

    Hereford and Worcester rescue teams were out in force, rescuing a man and his two dogs from Bewdley's floodwaters, which were expected to peak at 5.53m, just shy of the November 2000 record of 5.56m. 

    Further warnings were issued along a stretch of the Severn, including Ironbridge in Shropshire and Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire, which saw severe flooding during Storm Dennis last year.

    The Met Office said disruptions caused by snow were likely to continue throughout Sunday. Pictured woman building a snow man in London

    The Met Office said disruptions caused by snow were likely to continue throughout Sunday. Pictured woman building a snow man in London

    People making a snowman in Battersea Park, London. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    People making a snowman in Battersea Park, London. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Amanda Richardson and her daughter Delilah,9, play in the snow on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, Berskhire

    Amanda Richardson and her daughter Delilah,9, play in the snow on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, Berskhire

    A woman rolls a snow ball with her dog in Stoke Newington, Hackney, as snow falls in London throughout Sunday

    A woman rolls a snow ball with her dog in Stoke Newington, Hackney, as snow falls in London throughout Sunday

    A snowy road in Kew, southwest London, after swathes of the UK woke up to snow and ice this morning, with even the capital getting a dusting of white

    A snowy road in Kew, southwest London, after swathes of the UK woke up to snow and ice this morning, with even the capital getting a dusting of white

    A car on the side of the A417 near Cirencester that has spun off the road and crashed in the snow

    A car on the side of the A417 near Cirencester that has spun off the road and crashed in the snow

    Friends play in the snow just above flood water in Worcester with the Met Office warning that the snowy weather is set to continue for the day

    Friends play in the snow just above flood water in Worcester with the Met Office warning that the snowy weather is set to continue for the day

    A police car drives through heavy snow in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January as the Met Office gets ready to put in place five new weather warnings for snow and ice

    A police car drives through heavy snow in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January as the Met Office gets ready to put in place five new weather warnings for snow and ice

    The hashtag "Narnia" was also trending on social media as people shared images of their snowy neighbourhoods

    The hashtag 'Narnia' was also trending on social media as people shared images of their snowy neighbourhoods

    A woman pushes a pram in the snow on Wimbledon Common. The common appeared busy despite the snow and coronavirus restrictions

    A woman pushes a pram in the snow on Wimbledon Common. The common appeared busy despite the snow and coronavirus restrictions

    Residents are caught in a snow blizzard on Wimbledon common as they walked dogs and took in their daily exercise

    Residents are caught in a snow blizzard on Wimbledon common as they walked dogs and took in their daily exercise 

    Winston, an 8 month old Border Terrier, enjoys the snow for the first time near Windsor, Berkshire, a scene repeated across the country

    Winston, an 8 month old Border Terrier, enjoys the snow for the first time near Windsor, Berkshire, a scene repeated across the country

    Heavy snow falling in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. The heavy snow fell all over the country with Britons taking to social media to share photos

    Heavy snow falling in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. The heavy snow fell all over the country with Britons taking to social media to share photos

    A gritter lorry on the A628 near Woodhead in South Yorkshire. Warnings are in place across vast swathes of the country following the snow

    A gritter lorry on the A628 near Woodhead in South Yorkshire. Warnings are in place across vast swathes of the country following the snow

    A gritting lorry in snowy conditions in Touchen-End, Berkshire. The Met Office put a yellow weather warning in place stretching from coast to coast in southern England and ending just below Manchester

    A gritting lorry in snowy conditions in Touchen-End, Berkshire. The Met Office put a yellow weather warning in place stretching from coast to coast in southern England and ending just below Manchester

    Snow in the Cotswolds this morning. Forecasters said -7C blizzard conditions would hit many areas as a blast of Arctic air swept towards Britain

    Snow in the Cotswolds this morning. Forecasters said -7C blizzard conditions would hit many areas as a blast of Arctic air swept towards Britain

    Many Britons will wake up to snow this morning, with the Met Office expecting low temperatures and frost across the country

    Many Britons will wake up to snow this morning, with the Met Office expecting low temperatures and frost across the country

    Cars on a snowy A350 road near Hindon in Wiltshire. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Cars on a snowy A350 road near Hindon in Wiltshire. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Cars stuck in the snow on the A303 near to Cricklade in north Wiltshire in the early hours of Sunday morning with snow warnings in place across the country

    Cars stuck in the snow on the A303 near to Cricklade in north Wiltshire in the early hours of Sunday morning with snow warnings in place across the country

    Police at a snowy Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due to set in across most parts of the country on Sunday evening

    Police at a snowy Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due to set in across most parts of the country on Sunday evening

    A woman walking her dog, stops to take a photograph in a park as snow falls in west London this morning

    A woman walking her dog, stops to take a photograph in a park as snow falls in west London this morning

    People play in the snow on Primrose Hill in London this morning, as the capital experiences a rare covering of snow on Sunda

    People play in the snow on Primrose Hill in London this morning, as the capital experiences a rare covering of snow on Sunda

    The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due across most parts of the country on Sunday evening

    The showers of sleet and snow are expected to die out, with a heavy frost due across most parts of the country on Sunday evening

    People enjoy the snow in Guildford, Surrey. The wintry showers will continue in north and western parts of the UK

    People enjoy the snow in Guildford, Surrey. The wintry showers will continue in north and western parts of the UK

    Environment Secretary George Eustice warned of more 'challenges' in parts of England as a blanket of snow was predicted.

    The Met Office said a band of rain will cross the South West of England and turn to snow as it moves eastwards. Up to 2in of snow could settle, but areas above 300ft could see as much as 10in.

    Temperatures across the whole of the UK dropped below freezing last night, with the coldest temperatures in the Scottish Highlands at an icy -10C.

    Elsewhere, London and Manchester got down to -3C overnight and Bristol, Belfast and Glasgow dropped to -2C.

    Frosts are expected overnight on Monday and Tuesday.

    Martin Bowles, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'The biggest hazard over the next couple of days is going to be ice because we're getting these snow showers which will all freeze overnight.

    The Met Office said a band of rain will cross the South West of England and turn to snow as it moves eastwards. Up to 2in of snow could settle, but areas above 300ft could see as much as 10in

    The Met Office said a band of rain will cross the South West of England and turn to snow as it moves eastwards. Up to 2in of snow could settle, but areas above 300ft could see as much as 10in

    People pose for photographs by a snowman on the grounds of a snowy Guildford Castle in Surrey

    People pose for photographs by a snowman on the grounds of a snowy Guildford Castle in Surrey

    The Met Office put a yellow weather warning in place stretching from coast to coast in southern England and ending just below Manchester

    The Met Office put a yellow weather warning in place stretching from coast to coast in southern England and ending just below Manchester

    Swathes of the UK woke up to snow and ice on Sunday morning, with even London getting a dusting of white

    Swathes of the UK woke up to snow and ice on Sunday morning, with even London getting a dusting of white

    People go snowboarding in the snow on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath after the snow also reached London today

    People go snowboarding in the snow on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath after the snow also reached London today

    People go sledging in the snow on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath today with Britons across the country rushing to enjoy the snow

    People go sledging in the snow on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath today with Britons across the country rushing to enjoy the snow

    Snowy conditions on the A46 near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Britons across the country woke up to a blanket of snow today

    Snowy conditions on the A46 near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Britons across the country woke up to a blanket of snow today

    Temperatures across the whole of the UK dropped below freezing last night, with the coldest temperatures in the Scottish Highlands at an icy -10C

    Temperatures across the whole of the UK dropped below freezing last night, with the coldest temperatures in the Scottish Highlands at an icy -10C

    The public were warned to expect some icy patches on untreated roads and pavements, with journeys by road and rail likely to be affected

    The public were warned to expect some icy patches on untreated roads and pavements, with journeys by road and rail likely to be affected

    Temperatures were expected to plummet to -7C in parts of northern England and -10C in Scotland

    Temperatures were expected to plummet to -7C in parts of northern England and -10C in Scotland

    Dog walkers on a snowy Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Dog walkers on a snowy Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Conditions are set to become more hazardous going into the final week of January

    Snow is seen falling inside the stadium prior to The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge

    Snow is seen falling inside the stadium prior to The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge

    Two people walk on Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath this morning.  Parts of the country saw snow and icy conditions as arctic air caused temperatures to drop

    Two people walk on Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath this morning.  Parts of the country saw snow and icy conditions as arctic air caused temperatures to drop

    A jogger taking his daily exercise, crosses Regent Street in London in the snow this morning with the capital seeing thick flakes

    A jogger taking his daily exercise, crosses Regent Street in London in the snow this morning with the capital seeing thick flakes

    Pedestrians walk along Regent Street as the snow falls in London. The capital is one of several places that saw heavy snow fall this morning

    Pedestrians walk along Regent Street as the snow falls in London. The capital is one of several places that saw heavy snow fall this morning'Obviously roads tend to be quite well gritted, especially main roads, but I would warn people to be careful on pavements, minor roads that don't get gritted or city roads.'

    The Met Office's first warning for snow and ice is already in place in north-west England, but four more will be in place by tomorrow morning.

    Areas being placed under warnings are Northern Ireland, south-west England and South Wales, the Midlands, and south-east England.

    Mr Bowles said the cold spell would continue until about Wednesday before being replaced with milder temperatures in the final days of the month.

    'That's not to say that that's the end of all cold weather for winter, it isn't, we've just got a mild spell coming up,' he said.

    Despite people being urged to heed flood warnings into the weekend, Mr Bowles said they were 'gradually reducing' and that more heavy rain was not expected until Wednesday night or Thursday.

    'We're hopeful that the river levels will fall quite significantly before that so we're not expecting any significant flooding problems over the next few days, apart from in areas where the warnings are already in place,' he said.

    The Environment Agency previously warned of 'exceptionally high river levels' following days of heavy rainfall in the wake of Storm Christoph, with hundreds of properties across the country flooded.

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