SNOW could hit higher ground in the south west tonight – including parts of Somerset – with a weather warning in place for much of the region.

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert, between 6pm today (January 2) and 10am tomorrow, saying “icy stretches” could bring travel disruption.

Forecasters said ice patches are likely on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, with the risk of “injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces”.

Meanwhile, we could see rain, sleet and “some snow”, particularly over higher ground, into Saturday morning.

“Where showers occur, icy stretches will develop on untreated surfaces,” they went on.

“While many areas will see little accumulating snow, there is potential for a centimetre or two of snow over Bodmin Moor, the west of Dartmoor and Exmoor.”

READ MORE: Environment news from your Somerset Leveller

The Met Office also issued advice to people as temperatures plummet, keeping themselves and their families safe.

“Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal,” they said. “Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.

“If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”