The Met Office has warned drivers who live in four English counties “do not drive”. The spell of snow will cause travel disruption across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset on Wednesday afternoon and evening, with the warning in place from around 2:30pm up until 9pm this evening.
A new amber weather warning for snow has been issued for south-west England as fresh flurries hit the region. Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset are covered and the alert is in place until 9pm tonight.
The Met Office has warned of travel disruption caused by the snow and said some vehicles and passengers could become stranded. Up to 10 cm of snow could hit high ground in the region this afternoon and evening.
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Power cuts are likely, the national weather service said, and delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are also expected. The Met Office has urged drivers to take extra care on the roads this afternoon and evening during snowy weather. It has also published five tips for driving in snow.
It said: “Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding. You may need 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front. Try not to brake too suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further.
“Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible. Look out for winter service vehicles spreading salt or using snowploughs and only overtake if it is safe to do so.” It added: “It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe.
“If you must drive, do this more safely by using dipped headlights.”