SNOW HORSES

Weather warnings issued after freezing start to the new year

- SASKIA ROWLANDS

WINTER arrived in earnest this weekend, sparking snow and ice warnings across the country and fears of freezing rain.

Most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England are under an amber warning for snow and ice until midday today. And a separate snow alert across the north, covering Leeds, Sheffield and the Lake District, will be in place until midnight.

Forecasters predict up to 11in of snow could fall in these areas, while other places could see 3in.

But the snow won't last in central and southern parts of England and is expected to turn to drizzle.

Last night, the Met Office warned motorists of freezing rain - where drop-lets turn to ice as they hit the ground, causing treacherous driving conditions.