Met Office issues snow warning in west England after freezing overnight cold snap

In an alert issued just after 6am this morning, the Met Office predicted a brief spell of snow could fall leading to “tricky driving conditions in a few places”.

The alert, which is in effect from 6am to 10am this morning predicts that some bands of rain could turn to a light dusting of snow with 3cm falling in some places.

The Met Office yellow snow alert read: “Rain will turn to snow at times this morning.

“Not everywhere will see snow, and it may not settle on roads in some places.

“However, a few spots could see 1 to 3 cm accumulate.

“From mid-morning any snow should turn to rain or die out, with lying snow thawing rapidly.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Following the alert, National Highways: South-West also issued an update showing snow covering two motorways via the CCTV traffic cameras.

In their update, the highways agency said: “Please allow extra time this morning if you’re travelling in the region as there’s been a flurry of snow across our network.

“Be reminded that gritting doesn’t prevent snow from settling on the road.

“A yellow Met Office snow warning is in place until 10:00.”

According to the Met Office, temperatures fell below freezing in some rural areas of southwest England and even plunged sub-zero in Wales.

In an update just before 8am this morning the Met Office added: “An area of heavy rain, sleet and snow has moved into southern and central parts of the UK this morning, take extra care if you are travelling.”

The warning in southwest England was not the only one to be issued today as snow warnings were issued in Wales, London and the Southwest.

Although the Met Office initially forecast 1-3cm of snow to fall as far east as London until 10am, the warnings were rescinded before 8am.