The Met Office warned sleet and snow is expected to continue this afternoon and evening as they issued the rare amber alert - as much as four inches (10cm) of snow is expected in the affected region

National Rail is also warning travellers to check their journeys in light of the Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice still in place.

The amber alert is in place between 2pm and 9pm on January 8, the Met Office forecasting service and weather agency said.