GLASGOW residents have been urged to “work from home” as heavy snowfall looks set to blanket Britain and cripple much of the UK’s travel network.

Local weatherman Sean Batty said those who are able to stay indoors for work should “seriously consider it” as the Met Office hits the city and its surrounding areas with THREE DAYS of warnings.

A yellow warning lasting until 11.55pm tonight amid a wintry blast - dubbed “the Beast from the East” - will cause temperatures to tumble, with the country potentially facing the coldest weather since 1991.

“There is the potential for travel delays on roads, with some stranded vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

“Some rural communities could become cut off.

“Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.”

Upgraded amber warnings have also been issued for the city, from 6am on Wednesday to noon on Thursday.

The Met Office cautioned: “Frequent and heavy snow showers are expected on Wednesday and Thursday leading to some significant accumulations developing.

“Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel could occur. Roads may become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers.

READ MORE: Beast from the East - What you need to know about the weather and how it will effect you

“Communities might be cut off for several days. Long interruptions to power supplies and other services such as telephone and mobile phone networks, could occur.”

Forecaster Frank Saunders said parts of the country could see their “coldest spell of weather since at least 2013, and possibly since 1991.”

It is expected the mercury could plummet to minus 15C by midweek where there is snow on the ground, rivalling temperatures forecast for parts of northern Norway and Iceland.

On Monday, British Airways cancelled more than 60 short haul flights either departing or arriving from London Heathrow in a bid to protect punctuality. Two Glasgow-bound flights and three headed for Edinburgh have been cancelled.

EasyJet said it is also expecting disruption to some of its flights and has advised customers to check before they travel.

Ahead of Tuesday’s snowfall, many airports were advising passengers to check with their airlines before travelling.

Holiday comparison website, TravelSupermarket, has been offering advice to those who have had travel plans disrupted. 

A spokeswoman said: “If you have an early morning flight, or are landing back into the UK late evening, it may be advisable to book an airport hotel in order to make your travelling experience more enjoyable.

“Rail companies also publish details of delays and changes to schedules online and you can log on to driving organisations such as the RAC or the Highways Agency for the latest road conditions. Local and national radio stations such as the BBC also offer up-to-the-minute information.”

Network Rail revealed it would be putting heaters and Nasa-grade insulation on to points on the tracks in a bid to prevent ice forming overnight.

The NHS could also struggle to cope with the extra strain caused by the wintry weather, doctors have warned, and people have been encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

The public have also been asked to look out for the homeless and report anyone sleeping rough in the freezing conditions to their local council.

From Thursday, forecasters predict that another weather system, Storm Emma, will bring blizzards, gales and sleet as it meets the chilly Beast from the East later this week.

The storm, named by the Portuguese Met Service, will move north through Europe and is due to hit the UK on Thursday and Friday, and will be “significantly disruptive,” bringing the risk of power cuts and transport delays.