England braced for heavy snowfall

Britain's first snow of the winter fell during November

Parts of England are set to be hit by heavy snow showers and disruption on the roads, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an early warning of severe weather, predicting several centimetres of snow for Kent and East Anglia by Tuesday morning.

A spokesman for the Met Office warned that icy roads would be a hazard and some travel disruption was expected.

The Highways Agency has advised drivers only to venture out in bad weather if it is "absolutely necessary".

Flake

Bookmakers had earlier shortened odds on a white Christmas, although no snow has yet been recorded.

A single flake must fall on one of the nominated cities' weather centres for it to be declared a white Christmas.

The BBC Weather Centre said a "real change" would begin on Monday evening with snow in the Midlands as well as east, south east and the north east of England.

Presenter Alex Deakin said the night of 26 December would see a "snowfall event of some significance".

He said several centimetres of lying snow would be seen over parts of Kent and East Anglia.

The Met Office issued an early warning of severe weather over the expected snowfall, saying some areas could receive a 15cm-deep covering.

Earlier, Ladbrokes cut its odds to 8-1 for London to receive a dusting of snow, while rival William Hill 5-2.