Snow warning for holiday drivers as temperatures fall

Snowfall cause serious disruption on the roads this weekend, one of the busiest of the year.

The Meteorological Office has issued severe weather warnings for Sunday when snow is predicted across Scotland and the North-east. Sleet and snow could also spread further to East Anglia and the South-east.

Weather experts have not yet determined if Britain will experience a white Christmas but temperatures are set to plunge this weekend. A Met Office spokesman said Sunday's snow would be a "short sharp shock" after which the climate is likely to become milder in England and Wales. AA Roadwatch warned travellers, who make an average of 18 million journeys across Britain from tomorrow until the New Year, to prepare for the worst.

A spokesman advised travellers to keep warm clothing in their cars as well as a stock of food and water, and a spade for those who were driving on rural routes. He added that routine checks to car batteries and tyre treads could help reduce road congestion caused by a rise in breakdowns during inclement weather.