ALERT: Plymouth and Devon warned to brace for icy conditions this evening

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice covering the South West of England, including Devon, Dartmoor and Plymouth.

The warning is in force from 5pm on Friday (13 February) until 10am on Saturday (14 February).

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Forecasters say icy surfaces could lead to difficult travel conditions overnight and into Saturday morning. 

There is a risk of injuries from slips and falls, particularly on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The Met Office said: “A band of rain and sleet, with a little snow on hills, will clear southwards across England and Wales during Friday evening and overnight. As skies clear, temperatures will fall below freezing leading to a risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces.”

Higher ground, including Dartmoor, could see a small amount of snow before temperatures drop below freezing.

Drivers are being warned that some untreated roads may become slippery. 

Cyclists and pedestrians are also advised to take care, especially on side streets and paths that may not have been gritted.

The Met Office is advising people to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys. 

It recommends checking road conditions and public transport timetables before setting off and changing travel plans if necessary.

It said: “Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.

“If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try to stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.”

The warning is classed as yellow, meaning there is a medium likelihood of disruption with a low overall impact.

The Met Office says people should stay up to date with the latest forecast, as weather warnings can change.