Heavy snowfall has forced two British airports to temporarily suspend flights and shut down roads, train lines, and schools.
East Midlands Airport and Manchester Airport, Britain's third busiest, both shut down for several hours to clear snow from their runways.
"Following the poor weather experienced this morning, flights have now resumed but are subject to delays," a Manchester Airport spokesman said on Thursday.
More than 300 schools were shut across northern and western England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, while Belfast was forced to close its zoo.
Bus services were hit in the English city of Sheffield, where the council reported over 33cm of snow in some areas.
Mobile phone operator EE said there was a loss of coverage in zones affected, and trains between Manchester and Yorkshire were cancelled as the wintry blast hit the northwest of England.
Weather officials downgraded an amber "be prepared" warning to a lighter "be aware" message, but said weather disruption was likely to continue.
Prime Minister David Cameron urged Britons to heed weather alerts during the wintry blast.
"I have asked for an update on our heavy snow contingency plans. The gritters are out and people should listen to warnings," Cameron wrote on Twitter.
Snow showers are forecast to continue, particularly in the north, across the weekend.
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