Motorists are being warned to reconsider their journeys as a severe snow alert is issued for the county's roads with a cold snap hitting Kent this week.

Highways chiefs say the heavy snowfall predicted in the south of England is behind the warning with the M20 and M25 motorways among the major routes which are included.

Forecasters at the Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for snow in Kent, with heavy falls expected in some parts, while others may only see precipitation falling as sleet.

National Highways is asking everyone travelling in the south of the country during the coming days to consider if their journey is essential with the warning in place from midday tomorrow to 3am on Thursday.

HGV drivers are also being warned to avoid any parts of the road network with steeper than normal inclines which could lead to vehicles becoming jack-knifed or stranded in the wintry weather.

Duncan Smith, National Highways executive director of operations, said: "We are well prepared and our gritters have been out in full force since Friday and will continue to treat the roads.

"We are asking drivers to plan ahead, check the forecast and allow more time for their journeys."

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office activated a level three cold weather alert across the south east yesterday, which is in place until 11.59pm on Thursday.

Kent County Council (KCC) is urging residents to look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours as the temperature could plummet to -3C in some areas.

The Met Office is forecasting heavy snow tomorrow evening from 5pm in Tunbridge Wells and 6pm in Sevenoaks.

Meanwhile, it is predicted Canterbury and Ashford will see sleet tomorrow evening - after earlier forecasting it could have some snow.

Dartford and Dover is expected to miss the snow this week and will see sleet showers tomorrow evening.

And Medway, Thanet and Sheerness will be stuck with sleet tomorrow evening after the Met Office earlier predicted there was a small chance of snow arriving in the areas.