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By Donna Bowater

 

 

The Met Office issued a yellow alert, predicting icy conditions on the roads for the whole of Britain, with travel disruption expected to continue until Tuesday. Heavy rain will turn to snow which is expected to affect parts of the country.

 

The warning comes as many areas woke up to snow this morning after rain forecast overnight for the Midlands, Wales and parts of the south east.

 

High winds and rain were due to move over the UK in the early hours, bringing more bad weather after a week of stormy conditions.

 

Andy Page, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Snow, heavy rain and strong winds are all expected to affect parts of the UK over the next day or so, bringing hazardous conditions at times."

 

The Highways Agency urged motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before they travel today.

 

Cars make their way through the snow at Monkseaton, North Tyneside 

Widespread frost was expected as temperatures drop to 25 to 30F (-1C to -4C) overnight and reach just 37 to 43F (3 to 6C) during the day.

 

Jason Glasson, Highways Agency spokesman, said: "I advise drivers to plan ahead before setting out.

 

"Check the Met Office weather forecast and road conditions and allow extra time if travel conditions are poor, or delay the journey if conditions are really severe."

 

The Highways Agency said it had a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art winter vehicles on standby, and enough salt to deal with severe conditions.

 

A spokesman said: "Road users are reminded to plan for their journeys before setting out, checking the forecast, road conditions and leaving extra time if travel conditions are poor, or to delay their journeys if the weather becomes severe.

 

"They are also advised to be prepared and carry warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow." Telegraph