Met Office hits Devon and Cornwall with another weather warning

The Met Office has issued yet another weather warning for Devon and parts of Cornwall after days of freezing temperatures. The yellow weather warning for ice, which is in place between 3am and midday tomorrow, Friday, January 10, warns of potential disruption and risk of injury.

Much of Devon is included in the warning, with some areas in South Devon excluded. The Exeter-based forecasters at the Met Office have said there will be patchy rain and hill snow throughout the morning, with the chance of ice forming for some time.

Forecasters have said there will be sleet and snow showers during the warning, falling on frozen ground which will cause icy patches on untreated surfaces. There will likely be 1-2cm of snow on hills, with Dartmoor seeing up to 5cm.

What should I expect?

• Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
• Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces

Snow fell across Devon yesterday, Wednesday, January 8, which brought the usual cold weather chaos with it. The snow left motorists "in tears" due to hours of delays on the A38, as some abandoned their vehicles on the side of the road.

Devon and Cornwall Police issued a warning to motorists after major congestion and issues across the region due to the weather yesterday. The force said: "We are aware of some motorists being stationary for long periods of time and partners have been working to keep people safe and also get traffic moving as soon as possible. The majority of traffic is now moving. Efforts to clear the routes had been hampered by fallen trees and broken down vehicles.

"Ploughs have been fitted to gritters and will work around the clock tonight and into tomorrow morning. Road surface temperatures are reducing further tonight, with some areas almost reaching -5C, and the prolonged freeze this evening and into tomorrow morning will leave icy patches. Motorists are reminded to check the Met Office for warnings and carefully consider travel plans."

South West weather forecast:

Today: A frosty and locally icy start with sunny intervals for many throughout the day. Dry for most as wintry showers across Cornwall and Devon fade. Feeling cold, but pleasant in the sun. Maximum temperature 6 °C.

Tonight: A dry but cold evening with frost and icy stretches developing. Cloud building overnight with rain and perhaps hill snow arriving for Cornwall and Devon as winds also strengthen. Minimum temperature -2 °C.

Friday: Rain and hill snow spreading across the region but turning increasingly patchy later in the day. Risk of ice on untreated surfaces continues. Another cold day and blustery around coasts. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Rather cloudy on Saturday with patchy rain. Sunnier spells on Sunday and Monday after freezing fog clears. Generally cold over the weekend but turning milder into the new week.