The Met Office has issued warnings of snow and ice across the East of England this weekend.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place for Cambridgeshire and Essex from 6pm on Friday until 11.55pm on Saturday.

The Met Office said: “Rain will increasingly turn to snow above around 200 metres during late Friday afternoon and evening.

“By the end of Friday evening, 2-5 cm of snow may accumulate on high ground above 200 metres. Some snow is likely even to low levels by late Friday evening with a very patchy 1-2 cm possible in places.

“There is some uncertainty in how quickly rain will turn to snow across the south of this area, with a small chance that these parts may only see rain starting to turn to snow during the early hours of Saturday.

“Any melting of lying snow will lead to an ice risk on untreated surfaces on Saturday morning and night. Travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel is possible.

“Some rural communities could become cut off and power cuts may occur. Some injuries from slips and falls are possible on icy surfaces.”

An amber warning for snow and ice in Essex has been issued between 4pm on Saturday and Sunday at 9am as snow showers are expected to become more frequent overnight with icy patches developing.

The chief forecaster’s assessment said: “Snow accumulations will be variable across the area as showers are expected to organise into bands.

“Whilst some areas will receive relatively small amounts of snow, narrow bands of 5-10 cm of snow are likely.

“Strong easterly winds will result in some drifting of lying snow, and lead to a significant wind chill.

“Showers are expected to become more isolated through Sunday morning.”