The Met Office has raised its weather warning for snow to amber alert, with there now a 90 per cent likelihood of it falling across Cornwall tomorrow.

The snow is expected to arrive by around 8am tomorrow, with a 90 per cent chance that there will be heavy snow in the Helston and the Lizard Peninsula by 12 noon and an 80 per cent likelihood in Falmouth.

Temperatures are set to drop to -2°C tonight, although it could feel as low as -7°C.

Forecasters had initially issued a yellow weather warning, the lowest on the scale, but raised it this morning.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "A spell of snow will move west across many parts of southwest Britain on Saturday night and Sunday. Snow will turn heavy in places on Sunday, and may last for much of the day across parts of southwest England.

"Strong east or northeasterly winds will lead to some drifting of snow, especially over hills, with significant wind chill. Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely.

"There is a good chance that some rural upland communities could become cut off. Disruption to power supplies is possible, especially in parts of southwest."

Some parts of west Cornwall could even get some snow, or sleet, as early as 5pm today, although the worst of the weather is expected tomorrow.

However, the snow – dubbed the ‘Mini Beast from the East’ following the two-day blizzards that arrived from Russia two weeks ago – is not expected to hang around for as long as last time, although a yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place until midday on Monday.