A level three cold weather alert has been issued for Kent - sparking calls from experts for people to "wrap up warm" and drink hot drinks.

The Met Office says there is an 90% probability of severe cold weather conditions in Kent up until 3pm today - with a severe weather warning for ice in place until 10am.

A level three warning requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.

Vulnerable people, including the elderly and children under five, are particularly at risk from cold weather.

Graham Gibbens, KCC Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We appreciate that most people will be able to look after themselves but some members of the community need help.

"Basic advice can help everyone prepare, such as being ready to stay indoors, making sure there is enough food and medicine at home and ordering repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.

"Having a family member, friend or neighbour who can help out can be vital in cold weather – helping with anything from putting the bin out to collecting a prescription or doing some grocery shopping.

Video: Catch up with the weather for tonight and tomorrow from the KMTV team

"Please be a good neighbour and rally round, take time to care for yourself, your family and others.”

Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC Director of Public Health, said: “Exposure to the cold increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks – even a short time in the cold, outdoors or indoors, can have a lasting effect.

"People should wrap up warm to protect themselves and help those who may have difficulty following the basic advice.”

The Met office is prediction temperatures could plummet to anything from -1C to -4C tonight.

KCC are offering the following advice:

At home:

• Regular hot meals and drinks can help keep your body warm.
• Keep your home heated – set the heating to the right temperature (18-21C).
• If trying to save fuel, it is advisable to heat the living room during the day, the bathroom when needed and the bedroom, just before going to bed.
• Get the flu vaccine to protect yourself and others. This is free for anyone over 65, pregnant women, those with long term conditions, and children aged two to four. Details are available at GP surgeries or pharmacies and the vaccine is free for some people.
• Order repeat prescriptions in good time to make sure you have enough supply of any medicines you use.
• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly and make sure the chimney has been swept recently.

If you need to go out:

• Wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.
• Make sure you are not caught out by snow and ice; stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with food supplies.
• Get up-to-date traffic information atkenttraffic.info(or by listening to kmfm).
• In periods of severe weather such as snow and ice, do not travel unless necessary.

More information is available about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather through www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth and www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth.

People are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.

The free web app Health Help Now can be used to check symptoms or to find out when and where local services are open. It can also be downloaded to mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers from http://kent.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk/.