A YELLOW weather warning for heavy snow covering the New Forest has been issued by the Met Office.
Experts are warning that a weather system may push snow into southern England between 9am and midnight on Wednesday, and it could be “disruptive”.
Power cuts and other services such as mobile phone coverage might be affected during this time, and there is a “slight chance” rural communities could be cut off, the Met Office warned.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow for the South
There is also a small chance of travel delays on the roads, with stranded vehicles and passengers, and delayed or cancelled air and rail services.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Whilst not all areas may be affected, outbreaks of snow may push in from the southwest during Wednesday, potentially giving some significant accumulations in places.
“Some 2cm to 5cm of snow could accumulate fairly widely, and as much as 10cm over higher ground, especially over east or north east-facing slopes.
A Met Office map showing the areas that could be affected by snow
“Rain or sleet is more likely near coasts (and) there is still a possibility that the weather system, and associated rain or snow, may remain further south across the English Channel.”
Commuters are being urged to plan ahead for delays and disruption, leaving extra time to make journeys and plan routes.
Motorists are advised to travel with warm clothing, food, water, blankets, a torch, de-icer and a scraper, a warning triangle, high visibility vest, and in-car phone charger.