Blanket of snow forecast overnight

Temperatures are expected to remain below zero in large parts of the country on what is predicted to be a “messy” day for travel.

Blizzards and strong winds are set to make conditions treacherous on the roads while motorists are being warned that heavy snow will arrive before the morning rush-hour.

The Met Office has issued an amber severe weather warning for the East Midlands, the North and South West, Wales, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber.

It came as police said a pensioner who was found dead in the street near his home may have collapsed while clearing snow from his driveway.

Graham Clark, who was in his 70s, was discovered with serious head injuries in the village of Buxhall in Suffolk on Tuesday afternoon.

The latest bout of wintry weather is expected to set in overnight, hitting Wales and the South West before it pushes across the UK.

Laura Caldwell, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said 4-6in (10-15cm) is predicted to fall quite widely with as much as 10in (25cm) set to cover the hills.

“Parts of the West Country, Wales, the West Midlands and central and southern England are going to get quite a bit of snow tomorrow,” she added.

“There will be quite a few centimetres in the morning with up to 10cm falling through the day.

“That snow will carry on, pushing north and east so it will cover all of England by the end of the day and even parts of southern Scotland.”

Wales and the Midlands are expected to see the worst of the snow, while London and East Anglia are likely see accumulations of around 4in (10cm).

Ms Caldwell added: “It’s going to inevitably cause disruption on the roads and railways. It’s going to be a bit of a messy day for travel.”

Forecasts suggest daytime temperatures will struggle to get above freezing in many areas, with the wind chill making it feel even colder.

The snow is expected to ease off later in the day, remaining largely in eastern areas.

But it is likely to stay very cold over the weekend.

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert and has placed ploughs and snow blowers on stand-by.

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre, urged drivers to allow more time for morning travel.

“During periods of severe weather we also suggest people consider whether their journey is essential,” he added.

“They may want to delay their travel until conditions improve and to allow our winter fleet the chance to treat the roads.”

London Fire Brigade urged caution during the “Arctic blast”.

Its warning follows two serious fires this week caused by householders taking extreme measures to keep warm.

Yesterday, fire crews were called to rescue an elderly man from a serious blaze in Wembley, north London, which is believed to have been caused by a halogen heater being placed too close to flammable items.

Last week, firefighters battled flames in Fulham, west London, after an electric blanket was left on for the weekend.