Snowstorms gather over Britain.

(From Guardian Unlimited)

Britain is standing by for a new bout of icy weather tonight as snowstorms move in from the North Sea where they have been gathering since the early hours today.

Arctic temperatures will accompany a front which is certain to make this winter the coldest for 13 years and may see further records fall.

Up to 10cm (4in) of snow is expected in eastern parts of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, whose curve of shoreline between Bridlington and Skegness will take the brunt of the first storms. Blizzard conditions and drifts may affect coastal areas and close scores of roads if current high winds persist.

Current predictions are of average 25-30mph wind speeds, with much fiercer gusts. But forecasters warned that there were signs of gale-force strengths being reached as the storms move over warmer land and gather pace.

People across the country were warned to wrap up warm and avoid unnecessary journeys, with today's temperatures -- likely to reach only a fraction above freezing in most parts of the country -- encouraging prudence. Stephen Davenport of the forecasters MeteoGroup said: "In places it will feel several degrees below because of wind chill."

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