Snowfall causes power cuts, travel delays in most parts of UK

LONDON, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Highlands, Northern Ireland and Wales woke to wintry scenes on Friday, with ongoing snowfall in many parts of Britain causing power cuts, school closures, and travel disruption.

The Met Office said snowfall would continue to affect parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, northern England and parts of the Midlands.

Heavy snow and ice are wreaking havoc across large parts of Britain as drivers face travel chaos in the wake of Storm Caroline, but the worst is yet to come.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings to last until late on Sunday, predicting that up to 20 cm of snow could fall in some places as Storm Caroline leaves an Arctic airflow in its wake.

Snow has already been blamed for a number of crashes on Friday as British police warned of unsafe conditions.

British weather forecasters predicted heavy snow on Sunday and said that cold temperatures are likely to remain well into next week.

Some rural communities could be cut off and there could be delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, the Met Office warned.

Hundreds of properties have lost power in Scotland and the West Midlands.

More than 600 homes and businesses are without power in the West Midlands, while about 250 homes across Scotland have no supply.

Highways officials have reported "hazardous" driving conditions and police in Shropshire in the West Midlands advised against driving unless "absolutely necessary."

Snowfall has forced more than 172 schools to shut. Enditem