National Highways has issued a "severe weather alert" for snow and flooding across England today.

The organisation, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving motorways and major A roads in the country, said the warning applies to Yorkshire and the North East of England.

It has advised motorists to plan ahead and allow for extra time when making journeys.

National Highways issues 'severe weather alert' for snow and flooding across England

National Highways said: "Storm Bert will bring rain and strong winds north-eastwards today between 5am and 3pm, the rain preceded by a period of disruptive snow over parts of northeast England.

"While snow is expected to turn to rain from the south, three to five hours of heavy snow is expected and accumulate quickly at all levels, leading to significant travel disruption. 

"As the snow turns to rain, a rapid thaw is expected to set in as temperatures quickly rise with localised flooding possible." 

This comes after a number of railway operators announced that a major disruption associated with Storm Bert would affect key routes.

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Rail companies announce major service changes this weekend amid Storm Bert

South Western Rail (SWR) asked passengers to only travel west of Basingstoke if their journeys are absolutely essential.

SWR also announced that services between Exeter and London Waterloo will start and finish at Basingstoke, that journey times will be longer between Salisbury and Exeter and between Bournemouth and Weymouth due to speed restrictions, and services across its network will start later than usual on Sunday and Monday because of safety inspections.

TransPennine Express “strongly” urged customers not to travel north of Carlisle on Saturday while Avanti West Coast told passengers not to travel north of Preston – including Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.