Somerset weather forecast, and traffic and travel news on the roads

Somerset residents are being warned to brace themselves for snow this evening.

Higher ground, including Exmoor and the Mendip Hills, is expected to see the most snowfall, with sleet and rain also forecast across the county.

Traffic and travel in Somerset is expected to be affected by tonight's forecast snow

With the overnight temperature also expected to drop to -3°C, motorists are being warned to take care when driving tonight or tomorrow morning.

There is a high risk of icy patches forming overnight, with rain and snow - mainly on high ground - expected to continue tomorrow morning.

It should clear during the day tomorrow, becoming dry and bright but staying cold with a maximum temperature of 5°C.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for snow, including Somerset in its 'yellow warning' area.

Dorset, Devon and Cornwall are expected to miss the worst of the snow.

A Met Office spokesman said: "An area of snow is expected to develop over parts of east and northeast England later today.

"This evening and tonight, snow will then extend steadily southwestwards into central and some south-western parts of England, as well as the east of Wales.

"Whilst there is uncertainty regarding where the heaviest and most persistent snow will fall, accumulations of 1cm to 5cm are likely with a risk of up to about 10cm in the worst affected regions.

"These larger totals are more likely across the Midlands and perhaps southeast Wales.

"Later in the night, the snow is expected to die out across northern, eastern and much of central England to be followed by widespread ice on untreated surfaces.

"The public should be aware that, as a result, there could be some disruption to travel. This warning will be kept under review and may be updated in the light of new information."

Somerset County Council's fleet of gritters will be treating the county's roads from 6pm tonight, and will be monitoring the weather situation from 9pm when the snow is expected to reach the region.

The council is also expecting schools to be affected by snowfall, and any weather-related closures will be published on their special website.

Click here to view the list of school closures in Somerset due to snow.