WEATHER warnings for snow and ice will be in force across Dorset over the next few days.

It comes as the latest spell of cold weather, nicknamed the' mini-Beast from the East' hits the county.

Yesterday an amber alert - meaning be prepared - was issued for north and western parts of the county. It has since been updated and will be valid between 12.05am on Sunday until just before midnight.

A yellow 'be aware' alert is also valid throughout Sunday and covers Weymouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Purbeck, and East Dorset.

The Weymouth Half Marathon due to take place tomorrow (Sunday) has been called off. See story here

In sport, Dorchester Town and Bridport have had their games postponed today due to waterlogged pitches. See story here

Flurries of snow are expected today and have been forecast for this afternoon.

The Met Office says snow is likely around midday and again in the evening. Sleet and snow showers have already been seen in parts of Dorset including Swanage, Dorchester and Winterbourne Abbas.

Temperatures are set to plunge and the cold wind from the East could make temperatures feel as low as -2 degrees Celsius.

Under the amber warning, the Met Office says snow will turn heavy in places, and may last for much of the day across parts of southwest England.

A Met Office spokesman said residents can expect "temporary blizzard conditions" due to the strong easterly winds. 

There is "potential for 5-10 cm of snow to fall widely, and 15-25 cm over higher ground."

Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers.

Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are also likely. There is a good chance that some rural upland communities could become cut off. Disruption to power supplies is possible, especially in parts of southwest England, due to wet snow bringing down branches or other structures.

Under the yellow warning, the Met Office says not all places will see snow showers but where they do occur, there could be accumulations of between 3 and 6cms of snow.

By Sunday morning it could feel like -7 degrees Celsius.

The Met Office says there is a "lower likelihood that more widespread falls of 5 to 10 cm may affect parts of the region, with 10 to 20 cm on hills. Ice and significant wind chill will be further hazards."

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "After a very cold day on Sunday, temperatures are likely to fall well below freezing across much of the country into the start of Monday.

"This will lead to any melted snow refreezing, whilst coasts exposed to the north easterly wind will continue to see further wintry showers at times, these falling onto sub-zero surfaces."

In addition, Swanage is on flood alert for Sunday morning.

A flood warning is in force for two hours from 9:15am. The forecast wind direction is East North East and the forecast wind strength is Force 7.

A yellow weather warning of ice is in place for Monday morning until 10am.

The Met Office says it is likely that there will be ice on the roads, pavements and cycle paths and that there is an increased risk of accidents and injury.

In preparation for this weekend’s cold weather Dorset County Council has its gritters on standby and will be monitoring all major routes.

A spokesman said: “The Met Office has upgraded the weather warning from yellow to amber for parts of Dorset tomorrow (18/3). We will be gritting all major routes overnight and throughout Sunday daytime if required.”

Wessex Water has warned residents to check their pipes, so they do not freeze and cause problems.

A spokesman said: “It looks like the chilly weather may return this weekend.

“Be prepared by checking the pipes in your home are wrapped up warm with lagging and check your internal stop tap is working.”

Meanwhile, drivers are urged to heed warnings.

Ella Colley Halfords’ winter expert, said: “With the Mini Beast From The East hitting the UK, and snow forecast for most areas, we’re advising drivers to check their wipers – they need to be in good working order to clear the windscreen.

"Poor visibility doesn’t just make driving in the snow unpleasant but failing to see a hazard quickly can slow your reaction time.

"Drivers should also give their car a quick health check by checking screen wash, tyre pressure and keeping extra clothes, warm drinks and a mobile phone handy.”

First Wessex Service buses have not been affected by the weather.

South Western Railways has made changes to their services as a result of the weather forecast.

The 7:48am train from Weymouth to Bournemouth has been cancelled tomorrow morning.

A spokesman for SWR said: "It is expected that 2 - 5 cm of snow will fall across many parts of our network today. Snowfall will be heaviest during the evening and into the early hours of Sunday morning. The western parts of our network are expected to see the most snow, with between 5 - 10 cm."

SWR says it will work with Network Rail to help reduce any disruptions into tomorrow.

The cold snap is set to be short-lived with temperatures climbing again early next week.

Is it snowing near you? Send in your pictures to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk or via Facebook and Twitter @DorsetEcho