SUFFOLK residents have woken to a mixture of sleet and snow, with forecaster predicting that icy conditions will grip the county overnight.

Jim Bacon, of WeatherQuest, said temperatures today will reach a maximum of 3C with “raw and cold” winds.

He said: “It looks set to be a cloudy day with raw winds, sleet and snow – we are getting the whole nine yards of wintery weather here.”

He warned that today’s “marginal” weather would bring in icy conditions overnight.

“Anyone travelling tonight or thinking of getting out early tomorrow to finish Christmas will be faced with ice on the roads,” he added.

Snow has reportedly fallen in Bury St Edmunds and Ravenswood in east Ipswich this morning.

The ambulance service have warned motorists to travel safely during the potentially hazardous conditions.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “While the snowy conditions continue to present a hazard, particularly on smaller roads and side streets, motorists should remain particularly careful.

“The public should wear appropriate footwear whilst out in icy and snowy conditions to avoid injury, and only making necessary journeys by road.

“We rely on the public’s good sense to use the 999 service wisely.”

With the Met Office having issued its first Level 2 severe weather warning this winter for the East of England, NHS Suffolk is also encouraging people to be prepared.

Dr Amanda Jones, acting director of public health for NHS Suffolk and Suffolk County Council said: “Every year we see increased deaths in the winter, many of which could be prevented.

“It is essential that older people to keep warm. Heating the house is important – in the day and also making sure that the bedroom is 18�C overnight”