A major winter storm began Saturday in the central U.S. and was forecast to move east over the next several days, producing heavy snow, significant ice and frigid temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Freezing rain, which is rare in the UK, causes dangerous icy conditions. Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said on Friday: “There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially Wales, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places.

A major winter storm was set to begin in the central US on Saturday and move east over the next several days, bringing heavy snow, significant ice and frigid temperatures.