A sharp rise in vehicle breakdowns has been reported as yellow snow and ice warnings continue in parts of the UK.

Many drivers’ batteries failed on Wednesday morning due to the cold weather, the RAC said.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning which remains in place until midday today (Wednesday) for the North East alongside the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and South-West Scotland.

The Met Office said this could result in power cuts, untreated pavements and cycle paths becoming impassable, and some rural communities being cut off.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Rain, snow and ice continue to be potential hazards through this week as an Arctic airmass continues to influence the UK’s weather, bringing potential ongoing disruption for some.

"A number of weather warnings for snow and ice are currently in place, and more are expected today."

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "We’ve seen, as you would probably expect, a really sharp rise in breakdowns – predominantly from a lot of people’s batteries failing in the cold, which is inevitable."

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He advised against leaving home "with a tiny little space" to see the road, instead recommending properly de-icing vehicles and ensuring the entire windscreen is clear.

Tuesday saw widespread disruption across the UK, with more than 200 school closures reported by the afternoon.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London until 6pm on Saturday.

A yellow weather warning for frequent snow showers and possible hail has been issued in many parts of north and west Scotland, from Wednesday morning to midday on Thursday.

Between 2cm and 5cm of snow is expected widely, with some areas in the north-west mainland seeing up to 10cm.

Higher ground could see between 15cm and 20cm.