Britain, already in the midst of one of its coldest and longest cold snaps in years, is set to endure heavy snowfall and strong winds later Thursday that weather authorities have warned could bring a risk to life.

Cold conditions have also been seen across mainland Europe, as an amber cold-health alert has been extended until the weekend for the whole of England.

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for parts of the UK, with the north of Scotland braced for further travel disruption. Further snow showers could cause more delays on roads and on public transport throughout Sunday and into Monday.