A SMATTERING of snow has fallen over Worcester this morning.

The city has escaped the worst of the "Beast of the East" so far with snow set to continue through the day with sunny spells too.

Some of the snow showers could be heavy with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing. Maximum temperatures will be 3C.

Elsewhere, people have been told to stock up on food and medicine as a -12C Siberian blizzard sweeps the nation.

Parts of the UK could be blasted with up to a foot of snow today as the "Beast from the East" blasts in icy air from the Arctic and brings the coldest spell for five years.

A fresh wave of snow is expected to arrive today with London and the South East expected to bear the brunt before it moves North and West.

But yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice have been in place for the majority of the country — meaning anywhere could see snow today.

In Worcester, the snow showers will continue this evening.

For many it will become drier overnight but with clear skies, temperatures will plummet down to minus 10C Tomorrow, will start largely dry, however further snow showers are likely by late morning. The winds will also strengthen, making it feel bitter. The maximum temperature will be 1C.

There will be little change towards the end of the week, however gales are likely on Thursday and Friday. The winds will ease into Saturday, with fewer showers likely too.

Worcestershire County Council has said it is prepared for the inclement weather.

Jon Fraser, from Worcestershire Highways, said: "We've got 7,000 tonnes of salt and plenty waiting in reserve.
"The gritters were out yesterday evening (Monday) spreading salt on the county's roads and they will be heading out again this evening.

“However, people just need to be careful when they are driving on the roads as we're expecting very low temperatures and snowfall."

Around 5,000 tonnes of salt is kept in reserve to ensure there is enough salt to spread on the roads.