‘Heightened risk of ice overnight’ for South West

South West England is under Yellow Weather Warnings for snow and ice this week, as freezing temperatures and wintry conditions continue to pose travel hazards.

Overnight snow and sub-zero temperatures have caused icy roads, with temperatures expected to dip as low as -3°C in some areas.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly warned: “Where surface water and snow freeze overnight, there is a risk of ice as temperatures widely dip below freezing. There will, however, be good spells of sunshine for those away from northern coasts, though it’ll still feel cold in the northerly breeze.”

On Wednesday afternoon, the South West may experience snowfall as weather fronts from the Atlantic bring moisture into the region. Kelly explained: “Weather conditions will start to change from the southwest on Wednesday, with fronts from the Atlantic bringing milder air along with moisture. As this moisture encounters the cold air, snowfall is expected, particularly over higher ground and away from the coast. However, there is still uncertainty about how far north these fronts will reach. They could either skirt the south or move into southern England.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have reported that snowfall is impacting major routes, including the A30. The stretch between Bodmin and Okehampton is particularly affected, with treacherous conditions also reported on roads across Dartmoor.

Police responded to several collisions yesterday evening as icy and snowy conditions made travel hazardous. The Met Office had previously warned of potential disruption due to the wintry weather.

Residents are urged to monitor updates closely as conditions evolve.

The Environment Agency has issued warnings about minor river flooding due to heavy rain and melting snow. Flood Duty Manager Stefan Laeger said: “The recent heavy rain combined with melting snow means it is probable significant river flooding will continue in Leicestershire today, with minor river flooding probable in other areas, continuing through Thursday for some larger rivers.

“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, operating flood defences, reducing the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings, and supporting affected communities. We urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days, especially travellers, and advise staying away from swollen rivers and not driving through floodwater, as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”

The cold weather is expected to persist through Thursday and Friday, with further snow and ice warnings likely. Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Almond said: “Thursday will see another cold night, with potentially the lowest temperatures of the winter so far, -15°C or so, in locations with lying snow.

“In the early hours of Friday, a front arriving from the west will encounter the cold air in place over the UK. This could bring further sleet or snowfall for some regions in the south and west, with a risk of ice as it moves north-eastwards into central parts, but the extent of this is still uncertain.”

By Sunday, milder air is expected to move across much of the UK, reducing the likelihood of snow.