UK weather: Snow and ice warnings remain as thaw begins

Icy roads and snow are continuing to cause disruption in parts of the the UK but forecasters say temperatures in many areas have risen.

Warnings of snow remain in Scotland and ice warnings are in place for north-east England and Northern Ireland.

Many rail services are still affected while two flood warnings are in place.

It comes as Scotland's government is considering action against employers accused of docking the wages of staff who were stranded in the snow.

Meanwhile, many rural communities in south-west England which had been cut off by poor conditions can now be reached.

People in London and the south east of England are being urged to only use water when it is "essential" after supplies were hit following the severe weather.

In a statement, South East Water and Thames Water said they are providing bottled water to customers after the network suffered multiple bursts and leaks.

They urged people to take short showers rather than baths and only run washing machines and dishwashers with a full load, adding: "This will make a real difference."

Elsewhere, the villages of Lynmouth and Lynton in Devon had their water supply cut off, and roads into the village were impassable due to snow drift.

On Sunday evening Devon County Council said the roads to cut-off communities were now clear.

Across the country, the NHS said it "urgently" needs blood donors to help rebuild stocks after the bad weather led to fewer donations.

The UK's economic growth is also likely to take a short-term hit, experts have warned, predicting a "disaster" for the high street as people staying at home turned to online shopping.

Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said he had been contacted by workers who were facing disciplinary action or reduced wages for missing work - despite heeding warnings from police not to travel.

He told the BBC's Sunday Politics Scotland programme that it was not acceptable and ministers would be looking at the legal position.

The Met Office currently has two active yellow warnings in place, covering large areas of the UK.

One, warning of snow and ice, is in place until Monday night across a large area of central and eastern Scotland.

Snow showers are expected to continue, the warning says, and there could be icy stretches on untreated surfaces.

A second warning for ice in parts of north-east England and Northern Ireland is in force until 11:00 GMT on Monday.

The Met Office has also issued a third yellow warning of snow and ice for Tuesday covering northern Scotland.

However, temperatures have been rising across England on Sunday.

Two flood warnings - which were reduced from 16 on Sunday - have been issued for coastal parts of south-west and north-east England and are because of high tides, rather than thawing snow.

But in Devon there is a lower-scale flood alert - meaning flooding is possible, rather than expected - on the rivers Clyst and Culm due to snow melt.

The Environment Agency, which had over 30 live flood alerts on Sunday, has warned of a potential surge in water levels.

On Saturday the Dawlish rail line, also in Devon, was closed as a result of flooding, but was later reopened.

Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell said there would be a reduced risk of snow across much of southern England and Wales.

"The main point is it's gradually turning milder so we are seeing an end to widespread cold conditions from this weekend onwards."

National Rail has been advising passengers to check their service before travelling while many operators are running to a reduced timetable.

On Saturday, Network Rail urged people in the north-east of England and the East Midlands to only travel if "absolutely necessary".

Virgin Trains East Coast also resumed services between Newcastle and Scotland but advised customers not to travel unless it was essential.

Great Western Railway advised passengers not to travel unless the journey is "unavoidable" while most rail companies urged people to check before travelling.

Meanwhile, an independent investigation will be launched after passengers stuck on four stranded Southeastern trains in Lewisham, south London, "forced open" the carriage doors and walked along the tracks.

A plan is being put together for a clean-up operation after Holyhead Marina, in Anglesey, north Wales, was battered by Storm Emma.

The weather conditions over the past few days damaged a large number of vessels berthed in the marina.

In Scotland, government ministers for volunteers to help in clearing up local roads and pavements, and checking on vulnerable people.

Meanwhile in Norwich, an elderly man - described as a "Good Samaritan" by his family - died of a suspected heart attack while trying to rescue a motorist stuck in the snow.

Airports have been re-opening and train routes resuming, but some operators have warned of reduced or altered timetables.

Many airports have now reopened and flights are resuming but some issues still remain and passengers are being advised to check with their airlines.

How has the cold weather affected you? Share your pictures, video and experiences by emailing [email protected].

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: