Pictures of snow chaos around the world

Britons may be forced to scrap all their plans and stay indoors as wild weather sweeps the country this weekend. Biting northerly winds are predicted on Saturday, with the prospect of snow and sleet from the Midlands to the North on Sunday. Blocked roads, cancelled trains and closed airports mean many will have their travel plans disrupted.

Those who do venture outside the warmth of their houses could find the roads treacherous as grit stocks run low, while for some even their homes won't be a refuge as power cuts switch the heating off.

But while Britain is shivering through an icy winter, spare a thought for people elsewhere in the northern hemisphere who have it even tougher