BEAST FROM THE EAST: Met Office warns of risk to health with snow and freezing temperatures on the way

The so-called 'Beast from the East' is expected to bring bitterly cold temperatures, ice and possibly snow over the next week and the Met Office has issued a level three cold weather alert - just one step away from declaring a national emergency.

Forecasters said there was a 99 per cent probability of 'sever cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow' between now and Thursday, March 1 and warned of the impacts the weather could have on vulnerable people and the possibility of disruption to the deliver of services.

The Met Office said: "Cold weather is currently established across the country with widespread overnight frosts. However, colder conditions are expected to extend westwards across England during the weekend bringing a significant, and prolonged period of wintry weather.

"Whilst temperatures are likely to recover slightly by day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with some sunshine, there will be a notable wind chill, especially in the southeast. During Monday and Tuesday, snow showers are expected to move into eastern areas, before spreading westwards across England.

BEAST FROM THE EAST: How cold will it be in Sheffield next week?"These have the potential to align into bands, bringing some significant accumulations. Not everyone will see snowfall, however 5-10cm is possible where showers do line up, with the greatest risk across eastern and southeastern counties. These will also be accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures, and a significant wind chill.

"These cold, wintry conditions are then expected to continue Wednesday, and likely beyond, however confidence is low regarding any details at this stage."