Road Warnings As Gritting Cut

Motorists across Britain have been warned of reduced gritting operations, as local authorities attempt to preserve salt supplies.

The Met Office said most parts of the UK should expect "widespread icy roads", followed by further snow showers in Scotland tonight.

Temperatures are set to plummet in the next 24-hours, with a thaw period forecast over the weekend.

Some regions have bee told to expect localised flooding as the ice and sleet begins to melt.

Hundreds of schools remained closed today, as motorists continues to battle the elements on treacherous raods throughout England and Wales.

An avalanche risk has been issued for trekkers around Snowdonia.

Rural villages across the UK are still dealing with intermittent power supplies and completely impassible roads.

Water supplies have also been affected nationwide, with authorities reporting burst pipes.

The Federation of Small Businesses says bad weather is costing the economy £600m a day.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said the government is confident it will be able to "maintain the road network", despite dwindling grit reserves.

He pledged to review the arrangements for keeping Britain moving in severe weather.

Local authorities have halved the distribution of salt in the past week, according to the Highways Agency.

The Local Government Association has insisted no councils in England or Wales have yet run out of supplies.

(PR/BMcC)