More than 4,000 flights have been cancelled across Europe since Tuesday.

The world's busiest two-runway airport, Heathrow, saw 329 departing or arriving flights cancelled on Thursday, representing a quarter of all scheduled services.

Airlines cut flights following discussions with airport bosses and air traffic control provider Nats.

A further 195 flights on Friday have already been cancelled in a bid to give passengers as much notice as possible.

Avon and Somerset police have also declared a major incident over concerns medical staff were unable to get to their place of work.

Police said about 100 vehicles are stuck in snow on the A303 at Ilminster, Somerset, and a rescue operation is under way.

Ch Supt Ian Wylie said: "We've experienced extreme weather conditions over the past few hours and there are continuing red and amber Met Office weather warnings which will pose further challenges ahead.

"We expect the disruptive snowfall and icy conditions to continue overnight and we're urging people to cancel their travel plans tomorrow morning and stay off the roads for all but essential travel."

The London Ambulance Service said the number of patients treated for falls yesterday was up by half on the previous week.

"Please wear sensible shoes and take extra care on roads and paths," paramedics warned.

The freezing temperatures and snow showers are covered by some of Friday's papers.

Jo Deahl, a BBC employee, has been stuck on the A62 near Diggle in Greater Manchester for six hours, with her partner Chris.

She told BBC Newsnight that mountain rescue had told them the council had closed the road and are advising people to leave their cars.

“We are quite prepared because even though the roads looked ok we brought some blankets, some food, some water just because the weather wasn’t great," she said.

“The wind - it’s Armageddon. The wind must be 60mph - I got out of the car and I could barely stand up.

“I think we’re going to bed down here. We’re not going to get out of the car."

Hundreds of drivers have been stranded for hours on the A31 in the New Forest and the military have been called in by the police to help.

Tracey, who was travelling from Bournemouth to Southampton, told the BBC she has been stuck in her car for at least eight and a half hours.

"Something seems to be happening now, but an hour ago I thought I was going to be here all night," she said.

"I’m pleased to see them (the police and military) as I didn’t think I was going to get home to tonight."

Image source, @THELOCALYIDIOT

A man who died after being pulled from a frozen lake in south-east London has been identified by police.

Stephen Cavanagh, 60, fell into Danson Park in Bexleyheath on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Cavanagh, who lived nearby, was rescued by a member of the public, police said, but later died in hospital.

Read more

Two men are filmed being towed by a 4x4 through the streets of Bere Regis in Dorset.

Police say both the eastbound and westbound carriageways are blocked on the A31.

Hampshire County Council is organising rest centres along the road and police say food and drink is being taken to those who are stranded.

Highways England advises drivers to avoid the A69, A66 and M62.

A major incident was declared on the A31 in the New Forest at 20:30 GMT and the military have been called to assist, police say.

BBC reporters stuck on the carriageway say there are possibly hundreds of people in their cars, who have been stranded for at least five hours.

But South of England correspondent Duncan Kennedy said he wasn't really sure why they were all still stuck there after some accidents had been cleared.

Cumbria police have issued further warnings asking people not to drive across the region.

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: "I ask you not to drive unless your health, or the health of someone else, would suffer if you didn’t."

South Western Railway has advised passengers to check before they travel on Friday, with more snow and ice forecast.

The following services will not run all day:

• Trains between London Waterloo and Hounslow via Brentford and Richmond
• Trains between Chessington South and London Waterloo
• Trains between Dorking and London Waterloo
• Trains between Salisbury and London Waterloo will run between Salisbury and Basingstoke.

Services between Exeter St Davids and London Waterloo will run as normal as well as those between London Waterloo and Weybridge via Staines.

For the most up to date information, visit www.journeycheck.com/swr/, external.

The NHS in Somerset has declared a major incident after some staff were unable to get to work due to the weather conditions.

Some patients did not get their expected home visits and people are being urged to contact their local hospital only if necessary.

They should only contact 999 in a life-threatening emergency, the trust said.

Wind blows snow across the airport, which has suspended all flights until Saturday.

BBC Spotlight

Drivers are stranded on the A38 at Haldon Hill near Exeter.

Police are still working to clear the traffic.

Drivers are advised to stay in their vehicles and keep warm.

Leeds Community Healthcare Trust is appealing for help to care for its patients in the bad weather.

Over the next 48 hours it says doctors need 4x4 owners to drive doctors and nurses to deliver essential care.

Beechtree Steiner kindergarten in Leeds has a tuneful way of announcing a school closure.