Snow warnings issued across the South West 

• Watch Bob Cruwys' report from Exeter.

The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings across the South West. 

The yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 12pm on Saturday 4 January, until 11.59pm on Sunday 5 January.

The majority of the UK is covered by the warning, including parts of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset. All of Gloucestershire and Bristol are covered. 

There's also an amber warning for snow and ice in place covering parts of Gloucestershire, from 6pm on Saturday 4 January until 12pm on Sunday 5 January.

On top of this, the UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert from midday on Thursday 2 January until midday on Wednesday 8 January.

Beth Smout, UK Health Agency, said: "This is a really, really good time to check in on friends, neighbours, family members, particualry those who might be more vulnerable - make sure they are warm, make sure they have enough medication and food so that they don't need to go out if they don't have to."

A number of councils are taking emergency action to help rough sleepers.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol as it's called, looks to ensure that anyone sleeping rough is offered a room.

Charities have also been offering places where people can have a hot meal or drink - one of those is the Wild Goose Cafe in Bristol.

Andy Kinnersley, deputy manager of the Wild Goose Cafe, said: “We’re filling the gap of what the government can’t provide. We are literally a lifeline to people. If you come and visit the Wild Goose, you can get a hot meal, access a shower, get your washing done, and we can help with your electricity and IT concerns you’ve got.” 

• On Friday 3 January, Ben McGrail found out what Somerset Council is doing to prepare.

Nicky Flynn, from Age UK Exeter, said: "The stories we are told by people who are perhaps caring for a loved one is when the weather gets colder they will sit there with their coats on because they are so worried to turn the heating on.

"Pensioners are on a fixed income so when the cost of living goes up and winter fuel payments are removed, there is a real worry that they are not going to meet the cost of heating their homes or feeding themselves so they do worry but they can access our information and advice service and come and talk about what is going on and how we could help them with any benefits or claims that we can make for them."

Penny Smith, from NHS Devon, said: “Stay home, keep warm, keep hydrated, take over-the-counter medicines. If you feel your health condition is worsening, think about using 111. If you are unwell with a virus, try and stay away from hospital if you can, especially if you are visiting, for example, but also even if you are looking to attend because of your own ill health, there are other suitable alternatives that would be better for you.

"That's not to say that if you are experiencing a life-threatening condition - then obviously you would want to attend accident and emergency and it's really important that we keep those services open for those people."

On the yellow snow and ice warning, a Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy snow may cause some disruption over the weekend.

“Outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank. 

“Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially (but not exclusively) on hills. 

“Currently, parts of the Midlands, Wales and northern England are most at risk of disruption, where 5cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with perhaps as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of Wales and/or the Pennines. 

“This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.

“In addition, as milder air attempts to move northwards into southern and central areas, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time, adding to the risk of ice. 

“If milder air is able to spread more bodily northwards, any snow in southern parts of the warning area may be relatively short-lived before turning to rain.

“Given the uncertainties, it is quite likely this warning area and start/end times will be refined over the coming days as confidence increases in areas most likely to be impacted.”