Warning of freezing fog on Shropshire roads

Drivers have been warned to take freezing fog into account when making journeys over the next few days as forecasters warned there would be little respite from the wintry weather.

Residents of Shropshire and Mid Wales have been warned that they are set to face yet another Arctic blast tonight after enjoying a brief break from the chill over the weekend when the mercury rose above freezing.

But the sub-zero conditions returned last night, with people in Mid Wales waking up to temperatures as low as -13C (9F).

Powys County Council said two schools were closed today following utility failures - Llandinam County Primary School, near Llanidloes, and Llanfihangel Rhydithon County Primary School in Llandrindod Wells.

And Lawley Primary School in Telford was also shut due to heating problems.

The highest maximum temperatures across the UK today were expected to fluctuate between a chilly 0C (32F) and -2C (28F).

But forecasters predict there is no respite from the cold in sight, with temperatures in Shropshire overnight and tomorrow set to drop well below freezing.

Paul Mott, forecaster for MeteoGroup, said drivers should take the freezing fog into account when planning a journey in the next few days.

He said: "There are some very cold days coming up for the rest of the week, but it does look like the situation may ease towards the weekend."

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings in northern Scotland and Northern Ireland.

At least seven people have died during the recent spell of bleak weather.

Meanwhile, a family were left to crawl out of the boot of their car after two cars crashed on a narrow country lane in Shropshire.

The two cars collided after sliding into one another on ice on Huntington Road in Evelith, Shifnal at about 9.30am on Saturday.

Firefighters from Tweedale, Telford and Wellington attended.

Matt Lamb, watch manager at Tweedale Fire Station, said: "The narrow lane was packed with ice an the two vehicles collided.

"They came to rest side by side and the passengers found it very difficult to get out of the car," said Mr Lamb. "Some people had to get out of the car through the boot."

The road was closed until 11.30am.