UK weather latest: 'Danger to life' red alert warning issued for south west of England and parts of Wales

Highest level of warning stretches from north of Cardiff to south of Execter

The Met Office has issued a red alert weather warning for parts of south Wales and the south west of England as Storm Emma meets the "Beast from the East".

The national weather service's alert stretches from north of Cardiff to south of Exeter.

It will last from 3pm on Thursday to 2am on Friday.

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It states: "A spell of heavy snow and blizzard conditions were 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 Met Office definition of its highest level of alert is that "you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather.

"Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely. You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities".

In their assessment, the Met Office's chief forecaster said: "Widespread snow is expected to develop through Thursday afternoon and evening.

"Around 10-20 cm is likely to fall widely, with the potential for up to 30 to 50 cm over parts of Dartmoor, Exmoor and parts of southeast Wales.

"Snowfall will be accompanied by strong to gale easterly winds, leading to severe drifting of lying snow especially in upland areas. Severe cold and wind chill will compound the dangerous conditions, with very poor visibility.

"Towards midnight, there is a chance of snow turning to freezing rain in places, mainly across the south of the area, with widespread icy stretches making driving conditions particularly dangerous."

People walking in the snow by Tower Bridge in London, as the highest level of weather warning has been issued for parts of England and Wales (Victoria Jones/PA Wire) (PA)

In Ireland, where a red weather alert is also in place, people are being advised to stay indoors to sit out the worst of the blizzards sweeping the British Isles.

Storm Emma, which is rolling in from the Atlantic, looks likely to meet the "Beast from the East's" chilly Russian air, causing further snowfall and bitter temperatures.

Temperatures plunged to a widespread low of between minus 6C (21F) and minus 4C (25F) overnight, and forecasters have warned it could feel as chilly as minus 11C (52F) during the day as the winds continue to strengthen.

As well as the red alert - which has never before been issued for Scotland, England or Northern Ireland - amber warnings have also been issued for the north-east of England and the central belt of Scotland, in place between 10am and 8pm on Thursday, and for south west England and south Wales from 12pm until 8am on Friday.

On top of those, yellow snow warnings have been issued for vast swathes of southern, central, and northern England, Northern Ireland and Wales - in place for most of Thursday.