Wintry weather across parts of the UK caused widespread disruption to commuters on Thursday morning.

Temperatures dipped below zero overnight, dropping as low as -2.9C (27F) in Suffolk.

Up to 6cm of snow was expected across Wales and the West Midlands, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning that was in place until mid-morning.

Trains across the South East were disrupted, with Southeastern saying on its website: “Freezing weather overnight has left icy conditions on the third rail, which is making it difficult for trains to draw power.

“Services running across the Southeastern network this morning may be delayed, cancelled or revised.”

Some people responded with frustration, with one telling the company “you didn’t prepare for a tiny bit of ice” and “incompetence of the highest level!”

Network Rail apologised on Twitter, saying it “didn’t anticipate the level of ice” that would form.

Motorists were advised to take particular care along icy and snow-covered roads.

Forecaster Luke Miall said drivers could expect minor road closures if conditions were “particularly bad over some of the higher routes”.

County Durham fire service reported several accidents on the A1M due to black ice and slush.

In Lancaster, a “sudden microburst” of hail and snow caused a 24-car pile-up on the M55 on Wednesday, closing the motorway in both directions.

There were no serious injuries.

According to forecasters, the recent adverse weather was caused by an area of low pressure over the UK.

While some rain is expected in the East, temperatures are expected to warm up a little in time for the weekend.

Forecaster Simon Partridge said: “There will be gradual improvement for most places. It should be a much better picture (on Thursday afternoon) and things are also set to turn milder as we get to the next couple of days.”

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