Snow has fallen for the first time this year in the UK and has been affecting roads and railways across London and the south east.

A sharp frost and light wintry showers are expected later tonight after periods of sleet and snow followed around mid-morning, the Met Office has advised.

Forecasters predict Saturday will be cold with some brighter spells.

Flood warnings and alerts are in place across the country, incuding along the River Thames between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir, and around the Dartford crossing.

Emergency services have been receiving reports of accidents on the roads, while others have been warning drivers to take extra care.

Travellers are also advised to check before setting off, and to allow extra time to reach their destination.

Transport for London (TfL) advised there were a number of road closures in place.

Southern railway advised travellers that "surfaces may be slippery" and to "take extra care when using stations or bus links today". There are no Southern services running today due to strike action.

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The snowy scene in Keston. Photo: @LangleyFilmbox

Transport for London (TfL) and councils across south London and north Surrey were last night trying to alleviate disruption by de-icing trains and using 100,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled across the capital - enough to last for up to 139 days' worth of ice, according to TfL - to grit roads.

Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: “As London braces itself for colder weather, we want to reassure our customers that we have a well-rehearsed and thorough plan in place, alongside London Councils, to keep our road and rail networks operating during snow and ice.

“Our staff work hard throughout the winter gritting the roads, de-icing the rails and keeping platforms safe and accessible for the travelling public.”

Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, said: “London boroughs are playing their part in keeping the Capital moving when cold weather bites.

"They are responsible for 95 per cent of London's roads and have been working on plans with TfL and other partners to ensure key routes across the Capital are kept open during the winter for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“This will involve clearing and gritting roads and ensuring diversions are in place as necessary.”

Send your snow pictures to craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk