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Weather: Britain Braced For More Snow

Weather: Britain Braced For More Snow

Parts of Britain can expect further snowfall on Sunday as sub-zero temperatures continue to grip the country.

Many awoke to a thin smattering of snow on Saturday morning, as communities in the north of England and Scotland ushered in December with wintry conditions.

Forecasters say further bursts of sleet and snow are expected throughout Sunday.

A band of warm air means temperatures could peak at 11C on Monday, but this is likely to be a blip as the milder conditions give way to icy cold winds.

Light snowfall was reported in Cumbria, Teesside and County Durham, while an inch covered the Pennines and the Southern Uplands, as temperatures struggled to peak above freezing in many places.

The Met Office issued a low-level warning of severe weather, affecting much of the UK for the morning.

The white start to the month was enough to prompt record numbers of punters to place bets on snow falling on Christmas Day.

According to bookmakers Ladbrokes, more money had been staked on a white Christmas by Saturday than by any other December 1 in its history.

Saturday's snowfall came after 10 days of flooding misery in the UK, where much of southwest England, the Midlands and North Wales were hit by heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

During this period three people died, hundreds were evacuated from their homes, and thousands of motorists were left stranded as roads were smothered by surging flood water.

At its peak last weekend, four severe flood warnings were put in place, indicating an immediate risk to life due to serious flooding.

Motorists have also been warned to take extra care on the roads.

"This weekend will be winter's first serious test for drivers and their cars," said AA patroller Andy Smith.

"Ice is the real concern, as it's been so wet recently, and it's very hard to distinguish between a puddle on the road and treacherous black ice."