The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice which comes into effect in Southampton tonight.

Starting from 5pm on January 6 and lasting until 10am tomorrow, the weather experts say that icy stretches and snow showers could develop overnight, potentially bringing travel disruption.

Met Office predicts that roads and railways are likely to be affected by the ice, with patches being present on untreated pavements and cycle paths.

Warnings have been issued to avoid untreated patches entirely, as injuries could be caused by slips and falls.

READ MORE: Hour-by-hour forecast as rain weather warning lifts in Southampton

The Met Office said: "Icy stretches are expected to develop this evening, due to ongoing wet surfaces following earlier rain and, in places, snowmelt.

"Frequent sleet or snow showers are also expected to affect Wales and parts of northwest England this evening, moving into southwest England, the Midlands and parts of southern England in the early hours of Tuesday.

"In addition to the ice, these are likely to produce snow accumulations of a few cm above 200 metres, with a small chance of greater than 5 cm above 200 metres in Wales.

"The heaviest snow showers may also produce temporary accumulations of 0-2 cm at low levels."

Southampton is on the edge of area affected by the weather warning.

The yellow message has been issued to Winchester and Lyndhurst too, though the warning does not cover the entire New Forest.

READ MORE: UK's fastest bird seen taking flight at Hampshire nature reserve

To stay safe during the warning, the Met Office says to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce the need to rush, therefore avoiding accidents like slips and falls.

The Met Office said: "If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery.

"Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

"Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous.

"Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey.

"Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary."