The Met Office has issued another weather warning for Somerset. The latest warning, for snow, is in place from 9am until 11.59pm tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8.
Forecasters at the Exeter-based Met Office have warned that the ice and snow may push south, causing widespread disruption. The latest yellow weather warning covers much of Devon, Somerset and a large portion of Cornwall.
Snow has already caused widespread disruption in Somerset this morning with schools either closing completely or opening later and issues on the roads. Flights from Bristol Airport were also affected.
Tomorrow’s 15-hour snow warning is expected to bring sleet, snow and ice, which will disrupt travel, including roads, rail and air. Power cuts are possible, with other services such as phone service also being affected. Some rural communities may be cut off due to ice and snow on the roads and there might further school closures.
It is expected that as much as 5cm of snow could fall and settle across the region, with as much as 10cm on higher ground. The Met Office added that rain and sleet showers are more likely along the coasts, but with temperatures remaining low through the week, the risk of ice forming is high.
Driving conditions are expected to be dangerous through the period of the weather warning, so only travel where necessary. Motorists should carefully plan routes, leave plenty of time for journeys, drive appropriately for the conditions and keep essentials in the car in case of an emergency.
Met Office snow weather warning
(Image: Met Office)
South West weather forecast:
Today: A day of sunny spells and scattered wintry showers, these becoming more isolated through the afternoon. After a breezy start, winds will ease through the day, and feeling cold despite the sunshine. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
Tonight: Any lingering showers soon fading, leaving a dry night with clear spells. Turning cold under the clear skies with a frost forming, and some icy stretches possible. Minimum temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday: A cold but cloudier start to Wednesday. Rain spreading north and east, with some snow possible along the south coast and over hills for a time. Turning drier later. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Brighter on Thursday with sunshine and isolated showers. Cloudier on Friday and Saturday with outbreaks of rain and hill snow for a time. Cold, but turning milder by the weekend.