DORSET has seen its first snow flurries of the season as the temperature plummets.

A light dusting of the white stuff was seen on high ground in west Dorset yesterday, although the county has so far escaped the hazardous winter weather which has affected other parts of the country.

It came after the Met Office issued warnings for snow and ice.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

SNOWY SCENE: Eggardon Hill yesterday                 Picture: GRAHAM HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY

Forecasters said some snow accumulations of 2-5cm were possible around 100 metres with a mixture of rain and sleet elsewhere.

Last night was set to be the coldest night for many of us as temperatures dipped below freezing.

Council gritters were out in force due to the combination of wet conditions and freezing temperatures.

Motorists were advised to take care on the roads last night and first thing this morning.

Dorset County Council said its gritters were out three times in 16 hours throughout yesterday and into this morning.

A county council spokesman said yesterday: “The first run was underway at 12 noon with the second at 7pm and then at 4am.

“Even with this amount of attention some treated roads may still have icy patches due to saturated roads and standing water.

“The county council is warning drivers to take extra care, slow down and keep their distance from other road users to reduce the risk of accidents.”

The freezing conditions follows a wild weekend of rain and strong winds.

Flood warnings were in place for West Dorset harbours and drivers were warned of the possibility of falling trees and debris on the roads.

Large waves were seen crashing onto Chesil Beach on Portland.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said its crews rescued a woman whose car became stuck in floodwater in north Dorset on Sunday.

Crews including a team specially equipped for water incidents were called to the incident in East Orchard, between Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury.

Firefighters waded into the water to rescue the woman who was unable to get out her car.