UPDATED: Travel agencies and airports closed as Storm Emma hits

Dozens of travel agencies across Scotland and parts of England have been forced to close today due to the severe weather.

Thomas Cook has closed its customer contact centre in Falkirk, many shops in Scotland and 25 stores in other parts of the UK.

It said customers needing help from its contact centre can still chat to one of its travel advisors using our online chat service.

"Where possible, the phones in our closed stores are being redirected to stores that are open so our customers are able to speak to someone from a Thomas Cook store," said a spokesman.

"We have also updated our customers through our social channels."

Barrhead Travel has closed almost all of its stores across the UK, plus its head office and Glasgow-based call centres.

"The safety of our staff is a priority and so the decision to close was made at noon yesterday to ensure all of our people could travel home safely. We are reviewing the situation hour by hour," said a spokeswoman.

"Branches in areas not affected by the heavy snow remain open – which at this point include Ayr, Leicester, Dumfries, Irvine, Cumbria and Newcastle."

She said special teams have been set up to help customers affected by the extreme wintry weather.

A red weather warning has been issued for most of Scotland as Storm Emma sweeps in, causing travel chaos.

The Met Office has also issued a red warning – the highest level – for parts of southwest England and South Wales for later today and into tomorrow.

It is warning of widespread heavy snow and very strong easterly winds, bringing blizzard conditions and drifting.

Glasgow Airport said following heavy snow showers overnight and with a red alert still in place it will be extending the closure of the airport until 3pm today. Around 200 people were reportedly stranded overnight in the terminal and were given cots, blankets and supplies by the Red Cross.

"Further snow is forecast during the day which will make travel conditions to and from the airport extremely challenging," it said.

Edinburgh Airport has decided to close at 6pm tonight to prepare itself for tomorrow. It told passengers not to come to the airport, except for some flights still being operated in advance of the closure by Jet2, Lufthansa, Qatar, Brussels, Etihad and Loganair.

It is working with local tourist offices and hotels to find accommodation for those stranded.

East Midlands Airport is open but has suspended flights in order to clear snow and ice from the runway.

It said the runway is likely to be ready by midday but warned of continued flight disruption.

The bad weather has forced the postponement of the 88th annual dinner of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA), taking place in Glasgow tomorrow evening.

An earlier defiant message from the SPAA said: "To all our intrepid guests heading north / south / east / west to be at the legendary ‘Dinner’ … be informed, be prepared, be safe and we’ll see you at the Crowne Plaza at 5.30pm for another memorable night."

But in a later tweet this morning the SPPA said the decision had now been taken to postpone the event.