Snowstorms from Russia are expected to hit south-eastern England through Sunday night and into Monday morning, forecasters have warned.
Bitter easterly winds will cause snow to drift, with falls of 5cm (1.9in) to 10cm (3.9in) predicted over many parts of England and Wales.
The BBC Weather Centre said conditions could be "at least as bad" as in 2003 when motorists were trapped on the M11.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to be less badly affected.
Apart from a few light snow flurries in the east of England, conditions would mainly be dry during the daylight hours of Sunday, the BBC Weather Centre said.
Extra care
But after dark on Sunday night and through to the rush hour on Monday morning, "disruptive snowfall" is expected across central, eastern and southern England.
Icy winds heading for the UK will also make temperatures feel "sub zero" as the coldest winter in 13 years continues.
Night-time temperatures are set to drop to -2C (28F) as a blast of cold air sweeps in from the North Sea.
On Saturday, winds began gusting at up to 70mph (112km/h) over the hills of northern Britain and snow could fall as deep as 20cm (7.8in) over high ground in the coming days.
BBC weather forecaster Alex Deakin said: "Temperatures during the day will reach one or two degrees above freezing but with the significant wind chill it will feel sub-zero everywhere."
The AA have warned motorists to ensure they keep warm clothes in their vehicles if they were planning to go out.
The organisation's Andy Taylor said: "People often treat their car as an overcoat.
"But when you break down you are suddenly vulnerable to the weather.
"If you break down on a motorway, the safety advice is to get out of the car and wait behind the barrier. Unless you have extra clothes you really are flirting with hypothermia."
Slightly milder air will move in during Tuesday, with snow mainly confined to hills and in other areas precipitation is expected to turn to rain.
Noooooooo!! I don't want the snow... maybe I could get someone else to print of my work for me?? it's really snowing outside now... heavy!
[...] a snow day today not as bad as back in February this year – Snow, snow and more snow & Britain set for heavy snowstorms. But it was quite impressive, husband cannot get into work as the trains are all delayed and well I [...]
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