All four cooling towers of the Ironbridge Power Station were in operation today to keep up with demand. Picture by Andrew Cunningham

Temperatures in parts of Britain today plummeted to -17.7C (0.14F) while Shropshire and Mid Wales shivered at -10C (14F) as the big freeze tightened its icy grip.

The freezing temperatures saw yesterday’s snow turn into ice, creating more havoc on the roads, railways and at airports – and shutting hundreds more schools for another day, including in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

In the Bicton Heath area of Shrewsbury 920 homes were without power after snow and ice is believed to have caused a power line to snap at about 6.45am. All but 13 homes had electricity restored by 7.40am with the rest due on by noon.

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In Knighton, Powys, a police helicopter delivered food and medical supplies to a family who have been stranded for more than two weeks. A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said the family had difficulty getting out because they were in a very rural location but they were also reluctant to leave their horses uncared for.

Weather expert Steve Ellison, from MeteoGroup, said: “It is very icy. It is going to be like this for a good few days yet.”

Benson in Oxfordshire was one of the UK’s coldest spots, plunging to -17C. At Shawbury the lowest temperature was recorded as -10F (14C) at 4am today with drivers also reporting temperatures as low as -13F (9C) on their in-car thermometers.

Today was expected to be sunny in Shropshire with temperatures of about -4C (25F).

Meanwhile, Shirehall highway chiefs are turning to Europe for help to ensure they have enough salt to grit county roads.

Shropshire Council has enough salt to continue gritting A and B roads and agreed priority routes for another eight days.