An amber cold alert has been issued for Southampton and residents are being warned as temperatures are set to plummet.

Southampton City Council is warning residents an amber cold health alert is in effect now until 12pm on Sunday, January 12 across the Hampshire region.

The authority also said parents should check schools are open tomorrow morning.

The council’s fleet of salt gritters will be taking to the streets to prevent traffic collisions as the roads are expected to be icy.

This comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow from 9am on Wednesday, January 8, until 11.59pm on Wednesday. 

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A spokesperson from the council said: “Our gritting teams will be out this evening (gritting priority routes.

“Our teams are ready to respond 24/7 to the worst of winter weather.

“Please take additional care and allow extra time for all journeys, as there are likely to be icy patches across the region.”