SNOW and ice warnings are in place for Somerset - with forecasters warning people to prepare for the severe weather.

The warning is in place from midday today (Tuesday) and 11am tomorrow as cold, unsettled conditions bring the chance of disruptive snow to all parts of the UK.

However, significant accumulations of snow are not expected to be widespread at lower levels, the Met Office says.

A cold air mass is established across the UK, and a low pressure system heading for France will bring snow and wintry weather to many parts of the country as it meets this cold air.

Patchy accumulations of 1-3cm of snow are likely quite widely, with accumulations of 5cm in places. There is a small chance that some areas could see up to 10cm, but mainly over the higher ground, which could include parts of Somerset such as the Mendips and Exmoor.

Chief meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “As the moist air from a weather system bringing storms to France clashes with the cold air sitting over the UK, it brings the chance of wintry showers and snow disruption to most parts.

“It’s not possible at this stage to be certain where exactly will see the worst impacts of any snow, but people need to be prepared for the possibility of disruption and make sure they check the forecast regularly.

“Areas of higher ground are most likely to see significant snowfall, so it’s particularly important to take extra care when planning and travelling in those places.”

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There is the risk of further disruptive snow and ice to parts of the country towards the end of the week, most likely south and central UK, he added.

However, there is still some uncertainty about the exact track of this system and therefore where will see impacts from any potential extreme weather.

The warning comes almost a year after Somerset was battered by the 'Beast From The East', which brought widespread snowfall to the county and closed roads, shops and other businesses for days.