Somerset 10-hour heavy snow warning issued by Met Office

A warning for snow across parts of Somerset has been issued by the Met Office. And it isn't just the high ground on Exmoor and the Quantocks which will be affected, as forecasters say there is a chance of snow over lower levels too.

Temperatures have plummeted in recent days and other parts of the region have already seen snowfall. The ground in Gloucestershire and Bristol were left white on Tuesday, as were parts of Dartmoor in Devon.

A UKHSA cold weather health alert remains in place until 6pm on Saturday (November 23). Officials have warned that conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

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Now, the Met Office has issued a warning for snow in Somerset. The yellow weather warning is in place from 5am to 3pm on Thursday, November 21 and for the west of the county. Minehead, Taunton, Ilminster and Chard are among the towns covered by the warning.

Forecasters said: "Snow over higher parts of southwest England may lead to some travel delays, with a chance of snow to lower levels too."

A mixture of rain and snow is forecast from early on Thursday morning. Residents should expect:

• Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services

Meteorologists added: "A spell of rain and snow is expected to develop across southwest England early on Thursday. Accumulating snow is most likely over higher ground above 200 metres where 2-5 cm is probable.

"There is a chance that similar accumulations occur at lower levels in places. Higher parts of Dartmoor could see 5-10 cm. There is likely to be a risk of ice developing as skies clear into Thursday night."

According to the maps, parts of Exmoor could see snow when people wake up as early as 6am tomorrow. The white stuff is forecast for areas around Dulverton.

By 8am, the snow is expected to have shifted eastwards towards Taunton, Chard, Yeovil and Wells, all of which could see some snow, with flurries of snowfall possible throughout the day.

The snow isn't set to last, however, as forecasts warn 100mm of rain is set to fall in the South West over the weekend. A rain warning will come into effect at 6am on Saturday, lasting to 6am on Sunday, with heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the area.