In England, snowfall caused the closure of a number of A-roads, while a number of rail companies – including Northern Rail and Avanti West Coast – were forced to cancel dozens of services.

Two other people died on Saturday in crashes on the roads during the stormy weather, one in West Yorkshire and another in Northamptonshire – although it is not known if they were directly related to the conditions.

A major search and rescue operation was launched in Sidmouth, Devon, after members of the public spotted an object in a river.

Newcastle Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport both saw numerous flights delayed, although both later said they were operating as normal.

National Highways issued a severe weather alert for snow on roads in Yorkshire and north-east England in anticipation of blizzard conditions and said snow would “accumulate quickly at all levels”.

Scotland was hit by even more snow than anticipated on Saturday, causing long traffic jams and multiple road closures.

Lothian buses suspended all of its 70 routes across Edinburgh and surrounding areas, and there were delays and cancellations to ScotRail services.

The Queensferry Crossing across the Firth of Forth was closed due to the threat of falling ice.

A number of Scottish football matches were also affected.

The kick-off of Rangers’ afternoon game against Dundee United was pushed back by 45 minutes following travel issues, while at least two Scottish Championship games have been called off altogether.

Earlier snow has given way to rain for many, but that the threat of disruption is not yet over.