People living in Norfolk have been warned of "severe impacts" from the cold snap as a weather alert is upgraded across the county.

Earlier this week the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued a yellow cold weather alert. 

However, this has since been upgraded to a more serious amber alert and will be in place until Friday.

Temperatures plummeted below freezing last night and lows of -3C have been forecast for the rest of the week. 

A spokesman for the UKHSA said: "Severe impacts are possible across the health and social care sector due to the forecast weather conditions, including increased risk of mortality.

"Significant impacts are probable across the health sector including an increase in mortality in the 65-plus age group but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups.

"Maintaining indoor temperatures at 18C may become challenging for some, leading to an increased risk for vulnerable people."

It comes as a number of flood warnings and alerts have also been issued for the county. 

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "The current series of high spring tides has now reached its peak and is currently forecast to fall away over the next few days.

"Take care on coastal roads and footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger."