Forecasters have again issued a series of yellow weather warnings which affect large areas of the country.

The first is a warning for rain and wind which affects south-west England and kicks in just after midnight on Tuesday and continues until 10am.

In his forecast, the Met Office chief forecaster warns that “20mm of rain is possible within 2-3 hours in some places” with flooding predicted on the roads.

He said: “A band of heavy rain, along with the possibility of hail and some hill snow, will move eastwards across Wales and southwest England early on Tuesday morning.

“It will also be very windy, with the southerly wind expected to gust 50-60mph widely and as high as 65-70mph along some exposed coasts and over high ground.”

Ireland is also affected by heavy rain which forecasters say will spread eastwards during Tuesday morning before turning to snow on high levels.

Areas affected by a snow and ice weather warning which begins at 2am and ends at 10am include parts of Northern Ireland including County Antrim, County Armagh, including County Londonderry.

In Scotland, police have issued a warning for motorists to drive with caution as a yellow rain and snow warning begins.

Rain and snow is expected to affect much of southern, western and central Scotland, including the M74, with gales also forecast.

The yellow weather warning is for between 3am and 3pm on Tuesday and could impact drivers’ morning commute.

Winter weather Jan 21st 2018
Drivers in heavy snow which is expected in parts of the country (David Cheskin/PA)

Temperatures overnight are likely to fall below freezing and gales are expected on the western coast.

Restrictions are also likely on bridges and disruptions to ferry routes are also likely.

Between 5cm and 15cm of snow is expected to fall on higher ground over 300 metres.

Police say some sections of the M74 and higher routes heading north out of the Central Belt are at risk of snow accumulations.

Temperatures are forecast to fall again during Tuesday night, bringing a risk of ice on untreated surfaces.

Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle of Police Scotland said: “Drivers should take extra care while travelling on Tuesday.

“Conditions on the roads are likely to be hazardous in some areas, with snow on higher grounds and heavy rain causing surface water and spray elsewhere.”

Flood warnings and wind warnings, meanwhile, were issued by South Western Railways, a spokesman said: “From the early hours of Tuesday morning a band of squally weather will cross the coastal areas of our network bringing some rain and blustery wind conditions.

“From 0000 on Tuesday gusts will start to build towards 40mph, with speeds increasing to up to 50mph in some areas.

“The strongest winds will be experienced between 0300 and 0800 as the peak of the squall passes through.”