Met office issues amber warning for snow in South West
Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset are included in the amber snow warning
An amber weather warning for snow is in place in the South West covering parts of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Snow and sleet began to hit southern England on Wednesday afternoon as the amber alert came into force with the Met Office saying further warnings are likely to be issued as the week goes on.
Police in Devon and Cornwall have urged drivers to wait until the snow on Wednesday afternoon passes to carry out their journeys unless they are absolutely necessary.
Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset are included in the amber snow warning, which is in place from 2.30pm until 9pm on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Devon and Cornwall Police said snowfall is being reported in the counties and more bursts are on the way.
The Met Office has warned of travel disruption caused by the snow and said some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.
Power cuts are likely, the national weather service said, and delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are also expected.
Oli Claydon, spokesman for the Met Office, told the PA news agency it will be "bitterly cold" on Thursday night.
He said the lowest temperatures will be recorded in rural Scotland and rural northern England where there is lying snow, cloudless skies and very cold airflow.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Sunday.
Amber alerts issued on Thursday have been extended and will now run until January 12, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.
"This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
"These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures."
As icy conditions persist, motorists are being urged to stick to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted.
Car insurer RAC said it has seen the highest levels of demand for rescues in a three-day period since December 2022.
"Cold conditions will last until at least the weekend, so we urge drivers to remain vigilant of the risks posed by ice and, in some locations, snow," said RAC breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson.
"Black ice on rural roads can be impossible to spot, leaving very little time to react if driving at speed. Sticking to major roads that are most likely to have been gritted is strongly recommended."
The Met Office yellow weather warning for snow covering southern counties of England remains in place until midnight on Wednesday.
A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place for northern Scotland and Northern Ireland from noon on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday as sleet and snow showers are set to continue.
A further yellow warning for snow and ice affecting Cornwall, much of Wales and parts of north-west England has also been issued from 3am until noon on Thursday.
The Met Office has warned that snow and icy patches in these areas could lead to some travel disruption.