The south west is on severe weather alerts for snow and ice today and tonight as up to 10cm is forecast.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice while National Highways has placed the south west a severe weather alert for snow.

The yellow warning was put in place from midnight last night (Tuesday) and runs until 9am tomorrow morning (Thursday).

National Highways' severe alert for snow warns of snow and ice affecting the south east as well as the south west between 12pm today and 3am tomorrow morning.

A spokesperson for the agency said: "Snow is forecast to move north into the south west and the south east tonight.

"Snow amounts are expected to be small but could be widespread away from immediate coastal areas, with 1-2cm for many, and up to 2-5 cm on any modest hills  - and Haldon Hill in particular.

"The snow is expected to ease during the morning but will be followed by a more significant second wave during Wednesday afternoon and through the evening.

"The snow will most likely lose ground in Devon but elsewhere it will be prolonged and occasionally heavy, particularly during the evening rush and to the east of the M5, leading to potential slow traffic and loss of traction on steep inclines, including the A417.

"Current estimations are for accumulations of 2-5cm widely with a chance of 8-10cm on any modest hills, such as North Wessex Downs, Surrey Hills and North Downs.

"Any snow will gradually ease after midnight, followed by a cold night with lying snow and icy stretches leading to residual impacts during the morning travel period."

The Met Office says that spells of snow across the region today may cause travel disruption. It warns of possible stranding of vehicles and passengers, delays to bus and train services and possible power cuts.

More information and advice can be found at metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings and at nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/travelling-in-severe-weather/travelling-in-winter