Britain battles blustery weather

LONDON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Britain was battered with heavy rain, sleet and snow Friday , weather officials said.

The Met office said there was an 80 percent probability of severe cold weather with some snow and icy conditions through Monday in parts of Britain. Up to 3 inches of snow was predicted in Shropshire, mid Wales and parts of the West Midlands, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Gale winds were reported along the south coast.

A cold northwesterly airflow was expected to settle in over the weekend, increasing the risk of icy conditions, the Met office said.