THE Met Office has upgraded its weather warning of snow for Dorset from yellow to amber.

Schools have announced closures for Thursday. See list here

An amber warning, which is valid from 12pm on Thursday until 8am on Friday, means there is a “low likelihood" but it could cause a "high impact”.

A yellow warning for snow has also been issued until 11.55pm this evening, with the Met Office warning snow showers are expected. Forecasters suggest this may produce 1 to 3cm of snow.

The amber warning covers Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of the county.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Met Office says there is “the potential for a spell of snow, moving northwards over southern Britain on Thursday, to intensify and become heavy on Thursday afternoon/evening as it spreads north. “

It said some places could see “significant ice build up overnight into Friday” and long delays and cancellations to public transport could occur.

The Chief Forecaster said: “A weather system is expected to move slowly north through Thursday, intensifying and pushing north across the warning area from Thursday afternoon.

“As it comes into contact with the very cold air resident over the UK, it has potential to produce widespread snow, accompanied by strong to gale force winds.

“As less cold air follows from the south, there is a chance of snow turning to freezing rain bringing an additional significant ice risk.

“There is still uncertainty in how this system will develop, but there is a chance that the combined effects of snow, strong winds and ice will lead to severe impacts.”

A separate 'yellow' warning for wind and snow has been issued for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

It is valid between 8am on Thursday and 11.55pm on Saturday.

The Met Office says there is a potential for heavy snow accompanied by strong winds. 

Snow flurries were seen across Bournemouth, Poole and other parts of Dorset on Monday and Tuesday.

There was heavier snowfall in rural areas of Dorset such as Blandford.

Temperatures on Wednesday will feel like minus 8C, while on Thursday morning it will feel like minus 11C.

Morebus is advising customers to check social media for regular service updates this week.

Nikki Honer, Morebus head of communications, said: “Our services will run as normal whilst it is safe to do so.

“However, we will modify our routes if necessary - running along main lines and avoiding roads that are blocked or deemed unsafe.

“The aim is to continue providing a comprehensive bus service for those living and working in and around Bournemouth and Poole - but it is too early to predict the severity of the weather. Whatever their plans for this week, we urge people to take care - wrap up warm and stay safe.”

A Severe Weather Emergency Protocol for Poole which was triggered on February 22 will remain in force throughout the week, Borough of Poole said yesterday.

Drivers in rural areas, such as East Dorset, faced difficult conditions on Tuesday evening, with very slow traffic and hazardous driving conditions due to ice on B3078 both ways between Clapgate and Gussage All Saints.

There are reports of an accident involving two vehicles on the B3078 between Woodcutts Lane/Witchampton Lane and Lumber Lane around 8pm.