Fears of blackouts and cuts to water, gas and mobile phone coverage have been raised as Storm Darcy wreaks havoc.
Forecasters have warned motorists nationwide will be blocked in, predicting “many stranded vehicles and passengers likely” due to the strong easterly snow bomb from Ukraine.
The blizzard, branded "Beast from the East Mark II", has seen downed power lines setting fire to trees, cars skidding off roads and pets going missing.
Police forces in parts of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex told drivers not to travel last night as roads became "impassable" due to thick, settled snow as the weather worsens.
The AA said the "treacherous driving conditions” have already led to "numerous" accidents on UK roads.
And it is feared worse will come as the big freeze continues through the week.
Ben Sheridan, of the AA, said: "Roads will be lethal where snow and ice has hit the UK.
"If you must travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles. Don’t forget to clear snow from the windows, lights and roof of the car so you can see and be seen.
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"And watch out for black ice and compacted snow, especially in rural areas."
National Rail also told train passengers that services across the country are likely to be affected and "it may be necessary to close some routes".
Several Covid-19 vaccination centres remain closed, including Clacton Hospital, Essex, Colchester United’s stadium, Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich and Chevington Close in Bury St Edmunds.
And the chaos caused by Storm Darcy is set to last all week, with temperatures expected to plummet below 0C (32F) for most of the UK.
The Met Office said: “Strong easterly winds will make it feel bitterly cold across much of the UK, with further snow showers feeding westwards.
"These showers merging into some longer spells of snow over some eastern areas, whilst always drier and brighter further west."
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