Meanwhile in Europe:
Forecasters warn Christmas could be cancelled as cold weather grips UK
Festivities are facing a white-out with the return of snow next week and Arctic conditions set to continue beyond the 25th.
It means drivers are being warned not to travel in the run-up to Christmas, when millions hit the roads to visit relatives or to do last-minute shopping.
Chaos across the transport network could mean gifts sent through the post do not arrive in time and shops will run low on food and other essentials.
AA spokesman Gavin Hill-Smith said: ‘If it is really treacherous then people may well have to delay travelling and have their Christmas the following week. Safety comes first.’
The earliest widespread wintry blast for 17 years has already crippled the transport network and claimed at least 13 lives.