As severe weather warnings for 'thundersnow' are issued across London and the south east, here’s a round-up of the best advice for coping with the freezing weather.

The rare mixture of thunderstorm and snowstorm is expected to hit London at about 6pm this evening, with snow and sleet expected until 9pm.

More snow is predicted to hit between 9am and 10am tomorrow morning, causing possible disruption to road, rail and air services.

Here’s the best advice so far to help you cope with the weather.

Your Local Guardian:

TRAVEL ADVICE

Transport for London (TfL) and council’s across the capital are trying to reassure commuters that journeys will not face too much disruption, including plans to de-ice trains overnight and a stockpile of 100,000 tonnes of salt across London – which, they say, is enough to cope with 139 days’ worth of ice on roads and cycle routes.

Travellers are advised to check before they set off, and allow extra journey time during severe cold weather.

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Managing director of surface transport at TfL, Leon Daniels, 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.”

Meanwhile, about 100 flights have already been cancelled from Heathrow Airport due to the bad weather. Gatwick Airport has also advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

Drivers are advised to plan their journeys carefully and leave more time than usual to travel. It is also important to make sure your windscreen is fully de-iced before you begin your journey: driving with poor disability is illegal under the Highway Code.


Your Local Guardian:

KEEPING WARM

Public Health England has warned people to make sure they keep themselves and others warm during the next few days.

Director for health protection, Professor Paul Cosford, said: “Think now about what you need to do to prepare: if you need vital medicine or food, get it before the bad weather arrives.

“People with underlying health conditions, very young children and those aged over 65 are at greatest risk, so think what you can do to help others.”

Meanwhile, the website PromotionalCodes.org.uk has released tips for keeping warm during the snowy weather.

As well as obvious suggestions such as wearing layers and putting on a hat, the website recommends keeping doors to adjoining rooms open to help circulate heat and keeping curtains and blinds shut as early as possible, to help insulate your home.

It also suggests leaving your bathroom door open after showering and leaving your oven door open after you’ve finished cooking, to help bring some extra warmth into the house.

Your Local Guardian:

SNOW DAY

If the snow falls heavily enough, some schools are likely to close for the day.

Check whether the school has closed, to avoid your child making an unnecessary journey or being marked down for an unauthorised absence.

Local council websites will provide information about which schools have closed. Alternatively, you can check via the Government services' website by clicking here.