The good news is, it's thawing. The bad news: Another big freeze in a week

Rain and milder temperatures on Friday and Saturday will hasten the thaw with the mercury rising up to 10C.

However, respite from the freezing conditions could prove brief as temperatures will plunge again by the end of next week, bringing a risk of more snow and ice.

There were concerns that parts of the region will be deluged with flooding as rain comes in on warmer winds from the south west.

An Environment Agency spokesman explained: "There may be an increased risk of flooding in some areas over the weekend due to predicted heavy rain and the partial thawing of snow due to slightly higher temperatures, and we continue to closely monitor weather conditions and river levels.

"Whilst snow is deep in some places, the small amount of water that results from snow melt is not expected to cause significant flooding problems if it happens steadily over many days.

"With the forecast rainfall, this thawing may happen more quickly."

The British Red Cross urged people to prepare against flooding.

Martin Annis, head of Emergency Planning, said: "The warning that flooding is likely in some parts of the country should be taken seriously."