Rough sleepers taken off the streets as yellow warning for snow issued
Snow is expected on parts of Exmoor, but other areas could seen rain this weekend
Last updated 2nd Jan 2025
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol - to get rough sleepers off the streets - has been activated in parts of the West Country after a yellow warning of snow was issued by the Met Office.
The warning from midday Saturday until 9am on Monday covers across parts of Somerset, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Bristol City Council and homeless charity St Mungo's have confirmed plans for 'increased outreach shifts and more accommodation' until January 8.
There is currently an 80 per cent chance of snow at Simonsbath on Exmoor but Princetown on Dartmoor, Bristol and Bath are expecting rain on Saturday instead - according to the details of the latest Met Office prediction.
An ice warning is currently in force for much of the UK today which The Met Office suggests could result in 'difficult travel conditions across Scotland, Northern Ireland and North Wales, stretching down to the Midlands until 10am on Thursday'.
The warning adds: "For those who intend to travel despite the current wintry weather, both the Met Office and National Rail issued alerts to remind Britons to plan ahead if on the move on Thursday.
"Difficult driving conditions should be expected, particularly within areas under a yellow weather warning. Allowing extra time is also advised, with delays, diversions, or hampered conditions likely for road users.
"For those using public transport, passengers are advised to check any timetables and services before setting out in case of delays or cancellations due to inclement weather.
"As per National Rail, the poor weather will impact trains running across Great Britain, with Northern services, TransPennine Express services, Transport for Wales services and ScotRail services all impacted.
"Two new flood alerts were issued just prior to 6am on Thursday, with river levels peaking for both the Lower River Wharfe system in Yorkshire and Lower River Ure waterway in North Yorkshire."