People are being urged to take action ahead of a "severe" cold weather spell that could have "serious consequences" for the vulnerable. 

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Level 3 alert which is in place from 6pm this evening (December 7) for most of the country - including Norfolk. 

This follows an earlier yellow and amber warning from the Met Office for icy conditions and severe cold weather.

Arctic winds will bring sub-zero temperatures as low as -7C causing widespread overnight frosts.

The cold snap is expected to last for several days into next week, with temperatures struggling to get above freezing, according to the Met Office.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, said: "Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

"If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.

"Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18C if you can and keep your bedroom windows closed at night."

People struggling to afford heating bills are being advised to heat main rooms during the day and bedrooms just before going to sleep.

Wearing more layers and having hot food and drink will also help in the conditions.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, added: "Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards.

"However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast."

Norfolk could get 3cm of snow tonight as the wintery conditions roll in.

Norwich looks set to be the worst hit which could cause problems for commuters during the morning rush hour.

Between Fakenham and Yarmouth, there could be possible snow depths of between 1cm and 3cm.

Dan Holley, a meteorologist at Norwich-based forecaster Weatherquest, said: "Showers feeding inland from the North Sea into Norfolk will turn increasingly wintry during Wednesday night and into Thursday."