TRAFFIC bosses are warning Hampshire motorists to take extra care against forecast snow and high winds this week.

The county council’s highways team will be out in force over the next few days ready to keep the roads clear of snow and sleet expected tonight.

According to forecasts, parts of Hampshire could be under snow by tomorrow morning while ice is also expected across the county.

It is expected to be followed by heavy rain throughout Wednesday which could result in flooding.

Strong winds of up to 70mph are also expected to hit the county during the next 48 hours.

Road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans are being urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to stick to speed restrictions once they are on the roads.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “We are ready to send out highways crews around the clock to keep Hampshire’s roads clear, and will do all we can to make sure people can go about their day to day business as far as possible whatever the weather.

“I would, however, urge people to drive according to the conditions, and if the weather gets particularly severe to consider if their journeys are essential.”

Salting vehicles will start at 9pm tonight treating all priority one routes which include A roads, some B roads, major bus routes, roads to major emergency services, large schools and areas of high traffic concentration.

Extra crews are on standby, including arboriculture teams who can deal with fallen trees on the roads throughout the day and night.

Stocks of filled sandbags are ready to be deployed onto the roads network to keep water off, and vehicles will remain on standby through the night for potential extra salt spreading on priority routes.

Meanwhile the Highways Agency has issued an amber alert to motorists in the South East between 6pm Wednesday and 6am Thursday.