THE Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for snow and ice in Surrey and Hampshire for Friday afternoon and overnight into Saturday.

A mix of rain, sleet and snow is expected to push south across southern parts of England and Wales through Friday afternoon and evening, before clearing by the early hours of Saturday.

Snow will be predominantly confined to higher ground with possible accumulations of 1cm to 2cm. At lower levels this will be mainly rain and sleet but may turn briefly to snow in heavier outbreaks.

As the front clears south through Friday evening, a greater hazard will come from the potential for widespread black ice to form quickly on road surfaces and pavements.

People are urged to be aware of the potential for difficult driving conditions and for some travel disruption during the Friday evening rush hour and overnight into Saturday morning.