People urged to take extreme care due to weather

People have been urged to take "extreme care" due to snow in Devon and Cornwall.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice had been in place until 16:00 GMT on Thursday, and there is now a warning from 22:00 until 10:00 GMT on Friday.

Ivybridge Community College announced on Thursday it would be partially closed due to the weather conditions, as well as 47 schools in Cornwall closed or opening late.

The Eden Project near St Austell has also said it will not be open, and councils will be gritting Devon and Cornwall's roads.

Bee Tucker, BBC Meteorologist

Through the rest of Thursday the band of rain, sleet and snow across the South West will continue to slowly move southwards.

The majority of places are seeing rain and sleet but there will be snow continuing to fall even down to lower levels across parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

Accumulations are likely to be 1 to 3cm above 100m (328ft), with 5cm+ (2ins) likely at places over 400m (1312ft) by the end of the day.

There remains a snow and ice warning in force until later this afternoon, but with the precipitation clearing early this evening and clear skies overnight, ice is likely to be a hazard tomorrow morning.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council member for Sidmouth (Sid Valley) and cabinet member for highways management, said he had "snow ploughs ready for any difficult problems".

He tweeted: "Looks as though snow showers are going to be quite widespread this morning across Devon with this radar prediction. Take extreme care if driving and allow more time for your journey."

Cars have been stuck on the road between Falmouth and Helston on Thursday morning with traffic moving slowly.

Holbeton Primary School in Devon is also closed.

A statement on its Facebook page said: "Members of staff have been unable to get into school safely this morning. School will be closed today and remote learning will be set."

It said the decision had been taken " with the safety of our children, families and staff in mind".

Cornwall Council said it had activated its severe weather emergency protocol, meaning emergency accommodation would be provided for rough sleepers due to the colder temperatures.

Meanwhile George from Par said it is so heavy it is "like fog".

"It is coming down heavier than I've seen many a time. It is really heavy. The ground is covered, the cars are covered."

BBC South West Meteorologist David Braine said: "After the snow, sleet and rain of this morning a big freeze tonight means a high risk of ice as well as some freezing fog in places, take care."

Plymouth City Council's highways said " teams will be out gritting tonight" from 19:00 GMT on the primary and secondary routes.

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