Travel Desk

The Met Office has issued a severe weather alert that London is likely to see as deep as 5cm today.

"The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice regarding traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads."

"A band of rain and sleet will move southwards during this afternoon and evening with very cold air following. This will lead to widespread ice forming on untreated surfaces as the rain and sleet clears away, leading to dangerous driving conditions."

London councils have already reported shortages of road grit due to thefts, with Harrow Council warning residents that salt stolen from council bins will not be replaced.  Schools in London are closing for the Christmas holidays.

Weather forecasts are predicting heavy snowfall likely to remain throughout December and January, making this one of the coldest periods in recent times.  Temperatures have already been recorded of -10 in some parts of London.