West Country weather warning turns red
Red alert weather warning issued for Devon and Somerset
Advice is not to travel unless absolutely necessary
Rail services have been suspended in some parts of Cornwall
Paddington railway station in London shut
A red 'risk to life' weather warning has now been issued across parts of the South West by the Met Office.
A spell of heavy snow and blizzards are expected across parts of Somerset and Devon from 3pm on Thursday 1st until 2am Friday 2nd March.
What does a red warning mean?
The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting.
Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area.
Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely. Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers.
Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice.
There are also travel delays this morning and some Great Western Railway services are suspended on certain routes through Cornwall.
The company says there won't be replacement road transport and passengers are advised not to travel at all.
London Paddington has also closed and long distance trains will not run between Reading and Paddington.
Bristol Airport remains open this morning but snow across Europe and the UK has caused disruption to a number of flights, de-icing of aircraft and snow clearing is currently taking place.