AMBER warnings for snow and ice are in place for Salisbury and south Wiltshire from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.

It means power supplies and transport links could be affected as temperatures plummet and snow pushes in from the south.

Forecasters say there is potential for snow moving northwards over southern Britain on Thursday to intensify and become heavy in the afternoon.

The Met Office weather warning was upgraded today from yellow to amber and will be in place from 2pm Thursday to 8am Friday.

Salisbury Journal:

It states: "Some places could also see significant ice build up overnight into Friday. This is likely to be accompanied by strengthening easterly winds.

"Long delays and cancellations to public transport could occur, whilst some roads may become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers. Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities could occur."

An assessment from the Met Office's chief forecaster says: "A weather system is expected to move slowly north through Thursday, intensifying and pushing north across the warning area from Thursday afternoon.

"As it comes into contact with the very cold air resident over the UK, it has potential to produce widespread snow, accompanied by strong to gale force winds.

"As less cold air follows from the south, there is a chance of snow turning to freezing rain bringing an additional significant ice risk.

"There is still uncertainty in how this system will develop, but there is a chance that the combined effects of snow, strong winds and ice will lead to severe impacts."

Temperatures in Salisbury will struggle to get above 2°C before the weekend, according to the Met Office, and will drop to around -4°C tonight and tomorrow.

Wiltshire Council has provided warmth and overnight shelter to homeless people through its Severe Weather Emergency Provisions.

The council has set up an advice hub in its Bourne Hill offices.