THE most serious weather warning has been issued for much of Somerset.

The red weather alert has been issued for western Somerset and other parts of the South West.

The Met Office has upgraded the weater alert from amber to red for fears the extreme weather will impact on people's lives. 

The alert is from 3pm today until 2am on Friday morning. 

The chief forecaster said: "A spell of heavy snow and blizzard conditions is expected.

"The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting.

"Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area. Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely.

"Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers.

"Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice."

The red alert is the highest level of warning the Met Office issues.