Motorists bedded down on mattresses on the floor of the Jamaica Inn, in Cornwall, after drivers were stuck on the A30 for 10 hours – and more snow is to hit the UK today.
The Met Office has warned of further delays on roads and travel disruption as it issued an Amber warning for snow until 11am today, with rural villages running the risk of being cut off.
But this could ease as the day goes on, with the morning sleet and snow in the south due to fade – with the possibility of some sunny spells breaking through in the north.
However temperatures will still remain low today, with a frosty predicted this evening and an icy start to a chilly day tomorrow with some snow in coastal area.
Snow, sleet and rain is expected to whip back across the UK from Sunday to Tuesday, with brisk winds, although temperatures should rise as the week goes on.
The snow caused disruption for the nation's airports overnight with nearly 100 flights cancelled at Heathrow due to the adverse conditions.
Bournemouth Airport has also said its airfield is closed today "until further notice" due to snow.
STUCK IN FREEZING CARS
Roads became blocked as cars queued up to get home during yesterday's rush hour.
Newquay Airport shut down and dozens of train were cancelled amid the wintry chaos.
About 100 vehicles were stuck on the A30 near Temple on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and some drivers are still facing a night stuck in their freezing cold cars as authorities attempt to slowly clear the traffic.
A restaurant on the A30, the Jamaica Inn, has filled all of its rooms with drivers stuck on the road and laid out mattresses for others who were left stranded.
Paul Dyre is currently staying at the Jamaica Inn after spending hours stuck on the A30.
He told the Evening Standard: “It was okay up to the M5 and up to the A30, just a bit of frost. Halfway home it grounded to a halt. When it moved it was fine.
People were leaving cars and the snow was heavy
“People were leaving cars and the snow was heavy. I managed to find a turn off and managed to get to the Jamaica Inn as I knew I was close as I live nearby.
“They’re laying out mattresses and there’s around 80 to 100 people here. They’re laying out beds in the dining room at the moment."
Such was the scale of the snow disruption that a woman was forced to give birth in an Asda store in Cornwall.
The woman fell into labour in the Bodmin branch but an ambulance could not reach her due due to the congested roads.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CANCELLED
Dorset County Council tweeted that transport services, including school buses, have been cancelled today due to the forecast.
Customers were advised to travel before 9pm yesterday by Transport for London and Network Rail Western and to check services with their train provider or Network Rail.
Ch Insp Adrian Leisk warned drivers to avoid "all but absolutely essential" travel.
He said on Thursday afternoon: "Significant snowfall in Cornwall, particularly on the A30 at Temple where around 100 vehicles are currently stuck.
"The snow is heading eastwards and will cause significant disruption tonight.
"Please be prepared and avoid all but absolutely essential travel."
Devon and Cornwall Police urged motorists not to drive yesterday afternoon in parts of south west England and south Wales.
Workers and school children were also told to get home as soon as possible before the 'snow bomb' hit.
SCHOOLS CLOSED
Hundreds of schools closed across the UK yesterday – and more are set for a snow day today.
Northwest England, North Wales and the Scottish Highlands have been badly affected .
A majority of closed schools were based in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Liverpool.
Schools are also shutting in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as the snow continues to hammer down.
There have been hundreds of closures in North Wales, including in Flintshire, Wrexham and Gwynedd.
Dorset, Devon, Hampshire and Cornwall have also been affected.
Rod Dennis, spokesman for RAC Breakdown, said: "The message to drivers from this latest forecast is to be on guard – warnings of the risk of disruption from either snow or ice cover almost much of the UK, which means drivers could be caught out just about anywhere.
"With conditions on the roads likely to deteriorate quickly it is vital drivers are ready to adapt their driving style.
"Drivers should take particular care on untreated surfaces, and it's a good idea to travel with an emergency pack – consisting of things like spare warm clothes, food and drink and a mobile phone powerpack – in case of a breakdown."
"In rural parts negative double figures are possible, -12C maybe.
"Other areas will start to see snow as it works its way northwards."
The Met Office's weather warnings say to expect injuries from slips and falls on the ice on roads and cycle paths.
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