A SEVERE weather alert has been issued by Highways England as they advised motorists to consider whether or not their journeys are ‘absolutely essential’.

The Met Office issued a weather warning for snow and ice between 1am and 6pm on Sunday, January 24, with Dorset and wider South West set to be affected.

The 17-hour alert states: “A band of rain and snow followed by snow showers will bring some transport disruption from Sunday morning.”

It also warns of possible icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths and potential injuries caused by slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Ahead of the cold weather warning, Highways England advised motorists to be careful if they drive on Sunday and consider if their journey is 'absolutely essential'.

Dorset Echo: The Met Office issued a weather warning for snow and ice between 1am and 6pm on Sunday, January 24, with Dorset and wider South West set to be affected.The Met Office issued a weather warning for snow and ice between 1am and 6pm on Sunday, January 24, with Dorset and wider South West set to be affected.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “Road users intending to travel through the Midlands and southern England tomorrow are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling.

“Road users are advised to take extra care and to allow plenty of extra journey time. In accordance with current travel guidelines please consider whether the journey is absolutely essential before travelling.

“The latest information on road conditions on England's motorways and major trunk roads is available via our website at www.trafficengland.com.

“In addition, our 24/7 customer contact centre is available on 0300 123 5000 to provide assistance.”

Government guidance states people can only leave home if they are shopping for essential items, unable to work from home, exercise, attend medical appointments or for care.

What to do if driving in icy or cold weather

Dorset Echo: Icy and snowy conditions in Weymouth in previous yearsIcy and snowy conditions in Weymouth in previous years

The Met Office, with the assistance of Highways England, has published the following advice for travelling in icy or snowy conditions:

During snow or ice

  • Avoid travel if possible
  • If you must drive check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather. A summary of the advice is: Take care around gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down - it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking. If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don't slam them on. If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial
  • If you go outside wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to prevent loss of body heat. Watch out for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, slow/slurred speech, memory lapse and drowsiness and frostbite - loss of feeling in and pale appearance of fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes. Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate
  • Be aware of black ice. It isn't always visible and so can be an even greater hazard for both motorists and pedestrians. Black ice may be formed when rain or drizzle fall on a road surface which is at a temperature below zero

After snow or ice

  • Be careful when walking or driving on compacted snow - it may have turned to ice
  • Take care when shovelling snow. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body and can be the cause of heart attacks in the vulnerable