The Met Office has issued a warning for snow and ice covering West Somerset from Monday night which could lead to difficult travel conditions, with snow forecast on Wednesday across much of the region.

The Yellow Warning for snow and ice in force from 9pm until 10am on Tuesday stretches from the Midlands across to west Wales, and as far south as Taunton.

It says that some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

It warns of the risk of injuries from slips and falls on ice, with icy patches on untreated roads and pavements.

A similar warning for snow and has been issued from 9pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday.

A third warning for snow only has been issued for the 24-hour period from midnight on Wednesday.

It covers the whole of the Westcountry apart from most of Cornwall.

The Met Office alert says: “A period of snow is likely to cause some travel disruption during Wednesday.”

The warning says people should expect:

  • There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

  • There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off

  • There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

  • A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces

  • There is a slight chance that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times.

The temperature across West Somerset is forecast to drop to zero on Tuesday, as a cold air mass sweeps in from the north.

The Met Office is forecasting snow is likely to start at around 1am on Tuesday morning, becoming heavy on higher ground such as Exmoor until ending around lunchtime.

Warning for ice and snow on Tuesday
Warning for ice and snow on Tuesday (Met Office)

Wellington is forecast to see freezing conditions as low as minus 2C on Tuesday morning, with sleet and snow forecast.

The area is then forecast to experience below freezing temperatures on Wednesday, with more snow and sleet forecast in the early morning.

Travel Somerset said gritting teams were out on Sunday night to treat roads due to the low temperatures.

The Met Office forecast for the region says: “Rather cloudy on Tuesday with rain and sleet at times, perhaps some snow, especially over hills. 

“Turning brighter in the afternoon, but cloud may linger across Cornwall. Feeling cold. Maximum temperature 6C.”

The forecaster says the outlook for Wednesday is for a frosty start with rain or snow, gradually turning milder later with rain at times.