Several weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office - including one for up to 25cm of snow on New Year's Day.

From tomorrow, there is now at least one weather warning in place every day up to and including Thursday. They concern rain, snow and wind, with the most widespread disruption likely on New Year's Day.

The Met Office says around 20-25cm of snow will fall over hills with significant drifting due to strong winds on Wednesday. Snow is likely as far south as Derbyshire as a cold wind sweeps in from the Arctic.

"Heavy and persistent snow may bring disruption on Wednesday and Wednesday night," the Met Office says. Power cuts are possible and some rural communities, particularly across the Peak District, Lake District and North York Moors, could become cut off.

Up to 80mm of rain will fall elsewhere, notably across Wales, on New Year's Day. This could lead to more flooding with communities across south Wales already feeling the impact of last month's downpours associated with Storm Bert.

Dog walkers brave the snow in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (

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Heavy snow is now likely across most of Scotland, most of Northeast England, parts of Northwest England, parts of Yorkshire & Humber and the northern tip of Derbyshire in the East Midlands.

The snow warnings do not expire until 3am on Thursday, by which time wind will also be a concern. The Met Office adds: "Gusts of 65-75 mph are likely around coasts and hills, especially in the south and west, with 50-60 mph gusts likely fairly widely inland."

Gales are expected throughout the country on Wednesday and Thursday. Winds will also be particularly strong on New Year's Eve - but not as widespread, with Northern Ireland, Lancashire and Cumbria to bear the brunt of the conditions.

In reference to the winds, the weather service says: "Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely. It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves. Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer."

The Met Office added the westerly winds are likely to be heaviest on New Year's Day when "there will be a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties". There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, forecasters believe.

Wednesday's weather warnings blanket most of the UK (

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Fog, meanwhile, continues to cause disruption at Gatwick Airport today, the hub's busiest day of the holiday period. Nats, the UK's main air traffic control provider, said temporary air restrictions will continue there because of low visibility in airfields affected by fog.

It follows two days of disruption at the UK's busiest airports. with Saturday's flights at Stansted Airport affected by the murky conditions, while live departure boards showed delays at Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Manchester Airports. Passengers have been urged to contact their airlines for updated information.

Brits could be blanketed by heavy snow in the new year (

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A Nats spokesman said: "While the weather conditions have improved, fog continues to affect some airports in London today. Temporary air traffic restrictions are therefore in place at airfields with low visibility to maintain safety.

"Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption but passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline."

Kiera Quayle, from Colchester, Essex, was due to fly from Isle of Man Airport to Gatwick on Friday evening with her husband after visiting his family but their flight was delayed by three hours before finally being cancelled at around 10pm, with the next one not available until today.

Mrs Quayle, 30, said: "Our five days has turned to seven, it looks like. It's frustrating and stressful but I overheard a few families who are now missing holidays and work who have it worse at this point."