THE SOUTH could be facing blizzard conditions later this week, according to forecasts from the Met Office.

Forecasters have warned that a combination of bitterly cold winds, snow and ice could batter the county on Friday, with up to 15cm of the white stuff predicted on higher ground.

And the rest of the county could be blanketed with around 5cm of snow by Friday afternoon.

Met Office experts have warned that the blizzard-like conditions could cause travel chaos across the south and have urged residents to regularly check weather forecasts throughout the week.

Snow warnings are also in place tomorrow as Hampshire braces itself for the full force of the bone-chilling Siberian temperatures.

The county has so far avoided the worst of the cold snap, as snow and ice have wreaked havoc in other parts of the country.

Experts have warned that the main risk to residents will be sheets of ice on our roads and pavements left behind by the sub-zero temperatures.

But forecasters admit there is “quite a lot of uncertainty” about the progress of the blizzard, with heavy rain also a possibility rather than snow.

The Siberian chill comes after the Daily Echo launched its Stay Warm campaign, which is urging people across the county to look out for elderly friends, relatives and neighbours during the bitterly cold snap.

The campaign has already been backed by council chiefs and charities, including Age Concern Southampton.

And today, national charity, Action for Blind People, has encouraged residents to spare an extra thought for those suffering from sight loss, by guiding them around slippery surfaces and contacting them regularly to make sure they are ok.