An unexpected cold snap has prompted the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning after snow fell across parts of the west of England.
The warning covered an area from south of Bristol to north of Worcester, and extends to Hereford to the west and Swindon to the east.
It came after temperatures hovered just above 0C (32F) overnight.
The turn in the weather appeared to have taken many by surprise, with some motorists posting videos on X showing heavy snowfall on motorways in the west of England.
One said: “Was not expecting this. Heavy snow M5/M4 this morning. Be careful out there folks!”
Was not expecting this. Heavy snow M5/M4 this morning. Be careful out there folks! #uksnow #bristol #snow #snowing #southwest #westcountry #m5 #m4 pic.twitter.com/SnWAPkScn4
— Debi Holland (@DHgardening) March 2, 2024
In the alert, issued just after 6am on Saturday, the Met Office said a brief spell of snow could lead to “tricky driving conditions in a few places”.
The alert, which was in effect until 10am, predicted that some bands of rain could turn to a light dusting of snow, with 3cm (1.2in) falling in some places. The Met Office advised motorists to avoid driving in heavy snow and icy conditions unless necessary.
National Highways in the south-west also issued an update with images from CCTV traffic cameras showing snow covering two motorways.
The agency said: “Please allow extra time this morning if you’re travelling in the region as there’s been a flurry of snow across our network. Be reminded that gritting doesn’t prevent snow from settling on the road.
“A yellow Met Office snow warning is in place until 10:00.”
Parts of Wiltshire were covered in snow overnight, prompting a motorway network warning, with National Highways advising motorists to allow extra time when travelling on Saturday.
Much of north and west Wiltshire – including Chippenham, Melksham, Warminster and Salisbury – has also been affected by snow.
