RED WARNING OF SNOW FOR DEVON TODAY

The Met Office Chief Forecaster has issued a red warning for snow across Devon today.

Commuters are being advised that widespread snow is expected to develop through this afternoon (Thursday) and evening.

Red warnings are very rare and mean that residents should take action to keep themselves and others safe from the impact of the weather.

Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely.

Avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

The Met Office have warned that 10-20 cm is likely to fall widely today, with the potential for up to 30 to 50cm over parts of Dartmoor, Exmoor and parts of southeast Wales.

Snowfall will be accompanied by strong to gale easterly winds, leading to severe drifting of lying snow especially in upland areas.

Severe cold and wind chill will compound the dangerous conditions, with very poor visibility.

Towards midnight, there is a chance of snow turning to freezing rain in places, mainly across the south of the area, with widespread icy stretches making driving conditions particularly dangerous.