Hertfordshire residents are being warned to brace themselves for severe weather disruption with forecasters expecting more than a foot-and-a-half of snow to fall overnight in the South East.

Forecasters are predicting heavy snow showers will begin from 8pm this evening, with up to ten inches likely to fall in the London suburbs - including St Albans.

The extreme weather which has been affecting parts of Scotland and northern England will hit southern areas overnight and is likely to cause major disruption.

And as the freezing temperatures grip the county, Hertfordshire Highways has assured it is prepared for the flurries predicted for Hertfordshire.

Councillor Stuart Pile, responsible for roads on the Conservative cabinet, said: “We aim to carry out daily gritting runs to keep the main roads around the county as safe as possible as freezing conditions continue.

"We'd like to reassure residents that although the freezing weather has been pretty unrelenting, we are prepared and have enough salt to keep the main roads gritted this week.

"Please also remember if there is a heavy snowfall it's likely there will be travel problems simply because of the amount of snow."

The local education authority is expecting schools to stay open despite advance warnings of severe weather.

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed that none of its schools - including those in St Albans - plan to close their doors ahead of the heavy snow showers forecast tomorrow.

However, parents are being advised to keep updated on the situation by visiting www.hertsdirect.org.uk where a full list of school closure announcements can be found.

Motorists are also being warned to take extra care on the roads and make journeys only if they are essential.