Bristol Airport remains open this lunchtime, but two major airlines have cancelled all flights for today ahead of Storm Emma.

Ryanair has cancelled all flights into and out of the airport for the rest of the day.

While Easyjet has announced the cancellations after travelers had already been tweeting the news.

Bristol Airport said the cancellations were the result of the weather conditions and "due to cancellations/diverts across the wider route network in the UK and Europe".

It added: "Our airport is currently still operating though, with some flights going ahead as normal."

Easyjet passengers have taken to social media to vent their frustrations.

The cold-water swimmers of Clevedon went for a chilling dip in the Bristol Channel this morning.

While the air temperature was -13 degrees, the water temperature may have felt considerably warmer.

They've replaced the traditional knitted swimsuits of old with modern costumes, but ultimately, it's a very chilly day for a swim!

Avon and Somerset police are urging people to "be sensible" and stay at home if at all possible.

The M5, in particular, has difficult driving conditions already and they are expected to get worse throughout the day, they say.

Only urgent journeys should be considered.

They've also reminded drivers to properly clear their windscreens, lights and registration numbers of snow and ice - rule 229 of the HIghway Code!

Earlier we reported that Musgrove Park Hospital had cancelled all routine surgery and appointments on today, advising patients not to travel to hospital unless they "absolutely needed to."

Now the hospital has extended the cancellations to Friday also.

House of Lords
Parliament

Image source, HoL

Question time is under way in the Lords, and Conservative Lord Sherbourne of Didsbury is asking about the effectiveness of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in holding their chief constables and police forces to account.

He says the PCC has the power to commission an independent inquiry into Wiltshire Police's handling of allegations of child abuse against Sir Edward Heath but he has "set his face against it" and it "makes a mockery of the idea they [the police] are accountable".

Home Office Minister Baroness Williams of Trafford says she understands his frustration and wrote to the PCC to remind him of the policing protocol enabling PCCs to hold independent inquiries.

More generally, she insists the role gives local accountability and gives communities "a stronger voice".

The London station ground to a halt during rush hour as snow and ice made platforms perilous.

As sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow is forecast to hit the West by early afternoon, many schools have confirmed they'll be closed.

Local councils have been preparing for disruption on the roads and hospitals say they're monitoring weather reports closely and putting contingency plans in place..

Schools:

• In Somerset, more than 200 schools are either completely closed all day or closing at lunchtime.
• In Gloucestershire around 100 schools are also closed or closing early.
• While across Bristol, external and Wiltshire a number of schools have also announced their closure.

Airport:

• Bristol Airport is currently operating normally with some delays due to incoming flights from Europe affected by the weather on the continent.
• You are advised to check with your airline before starting your journey.

Rail:

• Paddington Station in London has now partially re-opened.
• GWR says it's operating a reduced service and that passengers should expect a reduced timetable.

Hospitals:

• Musgrove Park Hospital has cancelled all routine surgery and appointments today.
• They're advising that all patients should presume their procedure or outpatient appointment won't go ahead.

As Somerset faces a severe weather alert this afternoon, Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis has been out in his shorts at Worthy Farm checking out the festival's Pyramid stage.

The Met Office has upgraded it's severe weather alert to red for parts of the county - it's the first time the red alert has ever been issued in England.

Musgrove Park Hospital have issued an advisory to patients that they should only travel to hospital if "it is safe to do so".

The hospital has cancelled all routine surgery and appointments on Thursday.

It is also urging patients to only travel on Friday if they "feel comfortable" to do so.

As things stand they are open as normal tomorrow, but will change this is the weather deteriorates further.

Easyjet are advising passengers hoping to travel today to check the Easyjet flight tracker.