Motorists warned not to travel The Highways Agency said that their gritters were out in force across most of England last night and are warning motorists to take extra care and only travel if they have to. The weather is also threatening weekend sporting events include the races at Ascot and Haydock. Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said: "Unless you really have to make a journey it is worth putting it off for a while, we have got a weather warning out. People shouldn't travel unless they absolutely have to. The agency has issued an amber alert warning that "severe weather action" is needed. Ms Sharples said: "Overnight tonight the first rain coming in from the West will quickly turn to snow and with a strong wind it is going to feel quite raw. That will push its way eastward and large swathes of the country, apart from possibly South West Wales and Cornwall, will see between five and 10cms (two to four inches) of snow. While the main weather front will push its way in from the West a second band of wintry showers are also coming in from the East to "sandwich" the country in snow, Ms Sharples said. Most areas will see a covering by around midday and even London and the South East will see between one and two inches. The front will still be there by Saturday but it will have lost its oomph by then and will have become patchier. "But we can safely say that the very cold weather will continue into next week," Ms Sharples said. A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency added: "The gritters have been out in force all night and we currently have no reported incidents because of the weather. We are advising drivers to take extra care and to listen to the local forecast, to drive appropriately and to make sure they are prepared for the journeys including taking suitable clothing. If they can they should make alternative plans.