The Met Office has issued a series of new weather warnings as snow is expected to hit the nation in a matter of hours. A yellow alert for snow and ice has been put in place for various parts of the UK on January 2, covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England.

It could see some areas blanketed in snow up to 5cm deep, especially on higher ground in parts of North Wales and north-west England. In England, parts of the Midlands, West Midlands, London, the South East, East, North West, and South West of the country will be under the alert from 12am until 12pm on Friday. The Met Office urged people in the areas to prepare for travel disruptions as journeys may take longer and routes could become blocked.

It said: "Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths."

The weather agency also announced another yellow snow and ice warning for parts of Scotland, in place from 12am on January 3 until 11.59pm on January 4.

Places in Grampian, Central, Tayside and Fife, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde are all under the alert.

The Met Office said: "Snow showers are expected to continue through the weekend, being brought well inland by strong northerly winds.

"Winds should ease somewhat into Sunday, with showers by then most prevalent around coasts. With temperatures inland likely remaining below freezing through the weekend, thaw of lying snow is not expected.

With respect to additional accumulations: through the weekend a further 2 to 5, locally 10-15 cm of lying snow is possible in low lying areas. 15-30 cm could potentially accumulate above 200 m, most likely for the northwest Highlands and Grampians.

"Given wind strengths Saturday some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions are likely. Lightning will be an additional hazard near showers."