THE Met Office has issued a weather warning of snow and ice for Dorset.

The yellow warning - meaning be aware - came into force at 11.35am this morning and is valid until 11am on Wednesday.

It covers Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth.

The warning says: "Showers are falling as sleet, snow and hail already in the north of the warning area, and this threat spreads to parts of Wales, the Midlands and southern England on Tuesday evening and overnight into Wednesday.

"The warning has been extended further south and east to cover small amounts of snow, for example in parts of southern England.

"Delays to travel are possible, with a lower likelihood of cancellations of public transport. Some roads and pavements will turn icy, with an increased likelihood of some accidents and injuries."

The chief forecaster said: "A slushy cover of 1 to 3 cm seems more likely at lower levels and closer to the western coasts, as well as across most of southern England, with some areas here seeing very little or no snow."

The current forecast for Bournemouth predicts an 80 per cent chance of "heavy snow" for 11pm.

Temperatures are set to take a tumble as the day goes on with it feeling no warmer than -4C this evening thanks to the wind chill. 

Tomorrow it will feel no warmer than 2C during the day. 

Green Flag has issued a set of tips for drivers to help them to stay safe in snowy and icy conditions on the roads this week.

Simon Henrick, Head of News at Green Flag, said: "After a variable and relatively mild winter period, the changing weather conditions may take some drivers by surprise this week, so it's important that drivers do all they can to stay safe in the more challenging conditions.

"By thoroughly checking their cars before leaving home, approaching the roads with caution and keeping plenty of distance between cars drivers will decrease the risk of encountering a problem while on the roads this week."

Winter Driving Tips

  1. Check your speed and use gentle driver inputs - even if the roads have been gritted they’re likely to be slippery.
  2. Give more warning than usual to other drivers - when turning, stopping or changing lane.
  3. Keep plenty of distance between cars - you never know when you'll hit an icy patch. If you pass the same landmarks as the car in front of you within three seconds, you’re following too closely.
  4. Check whether your car has ABS anti-lock brakes. In the unlikely event that it doesn’t, pump the brake pedal slowly to prevent the wheels locking up and skidding.
  5. Be extra-wary of black ice. It’s an invisible danger that can catch out even the most careful driver.
  6. Approach corners at a steady speed, in as low a gear as possible. Don't touch the clutch unless it’s absolutely necessary, steer smoothly and avoid braking on bends.
  7. Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
  8. Ensure you’re familiar with your car’s ventilation system to prevent windows from steaming up. Air conditioning will keep windows free from mist and condensation.

The Met Office has already issued a weather warning for strong winds for Dorset for Wednesday night and into Thursday with 60 to 70mph winds expected.