Getting ready for the winter….

The first significant snowfalls of the winter have occurred across parts of southwestern England, with other regions of England and Wales hit by flash flooding.

The snow fell in Somerset, North Dorset, Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire over the weekend.

Julian Mayes, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said there were reports of at least 3cm (1in) of snow falling in some regions.

Parts of England and Wales were also affected by flash flooding following a period of torrential rain on Sunday.

Some 14 flood warnings were issued, covering the South West, South East, East Anglia, the Midlands and Wales.

There were also 76 flood alerts issued for areas where the threat was less serious.

Bournemouth received the most rainfall in the UK, with 3cm (1in) falling in just 24 hours.

Craig Woolhouse, the Environment Agency flood risk manager, said: “The Environment Agency has issued a number of flood warnings and alerts as a result of heavy rain across the south of England and Wales over this weekend.

“Only last week the organisation warned that flooding could be more likely this winter as a result of heavy rainfall during the summer and higher than normal rivers and groundwater levels.

“Anyone in a flood risk area can get free early warnings with vital information to keep themselves and their property safe.”

Meanwhile, forecasters are advising people to wrap up warm if they are going to Bonfire Night fireworks displays tonight.

Maximum temperatures nationwide are expected to be between 6-9C (43-48F) and by mid-evening they will drop to around 4-5C (39-41F).

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