SNOW and ice could cause disruption across Dorset over the next few days, the Met Office has warned.

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the rest of the county up until Sunday.

The first warning for snow and ice is in force from 4pm on Friday until 10.30am on Saturday morning.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Met Office says there will be rain and sleet showers at low levels across southern England and near the coast.

It warned that clear skies between the showers could also bring a threat of ice.

Icy conditions have already caused "multiple crashes" across Dorset today. 

Bournemouth Echo:

A further warning has been issued between 3am and 6pm on Sunday.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “An area of rain will cross the west and southwest of the country on Sunday morning and turn readily to snow as it spreads eastwards, and also lead to some icy surfaces.

“Mainly 1-3 cm of snow accumulation for most parts, but possibly 5-10 cm over 100 m with a small possibility of 10-15 cm over high ground for example on Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. These snow amounts will cause some disruption to transport, especially on routes that cross even modest high ground.”

Bournemouth Echo:

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says:

  • Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services with the potential for some roads to become blocked on higher level routes
  • Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

Read more: Snow could be seen across Dorset this weekend (yes, really)

Bournemouth-based forecaster DorsetSnow said conditions “look favourable” for wintry weather on Sunday and “most areas” of Dorset could see their first accumulations of snow for the season.

A cold weather alert has also been issued over the next few days as temperatures plunge with a 60 per cent chance of freezing conditions.