Readers have reported light snow flurries in parts of Kent this morning.

Met Office experts predicted most parts of the region would remain cold and dry today, with some long sunny spells after a frosty start.

Forecasters said there was a possibility of wintry showers, which appear to have materialised in the west of the county.

Reports have come in of light flurries in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

Snow showers have also been seen in Gravesend and Medway, with a brief flurry clearing quickly.

But the white stuff has also been spotted as far afield as Dover.

Temperatures are predicted to plummet to -1C tonight.

The chill comes as a level three cold weather alert was placed on the county.

Kent County Council advised this meant there could be "major health risks" to some.

Video: Snow in High Street, Gravesend

A level three cold weather alert triggers actions in the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations, to support vulnerable people who have health, housing or economic circumstances that increase their risk of harm.

There is an 80% probability of severe cold weather in the region between now and Saturday.

Peter Oakford, KCC Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “It is vital that during this prolonged period of severe weather, people act to keep themselves and their home warm – even if this is just by heating the bedroom and living room.

"We’re also urging people to assist their local community – is there someone you can help by bringing in groceries?

"Every year, cold weather leads to extra deaths and taking measures to stay warm and work with others, can make a life-changing difference.”

Simple common sense measures for keeping warm and well in the home include:

• Regular cups of tea, or other hot drinks, and regular hot meals can help your body stay warm.
• Make sure warm clothes are within reach – keep jumpers and thick socks close by. Wear several thin layers, rather than one thick one.
• Have your flu vaccine to protect yourself and others (this is free for anyone over 65, pregnant women, those with long term conditions, and children aged two to four – contact your GP to make an appointment.
• Order repeat prescriptions in good time to make sure you have enough supply of any medicines you use.
• Having a family member, friend or neighbour to help out with anything from putting the bin out to collecting prescriptions or doing shopping.
• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly and make sure the chimney has been swept recently.

Kent's roads have been gritted overnight.

A tweet from @GrittingKent said earlier this morning: "All primary routes have been treated this morning.

"Road surface temperatures are currently below zero in majority of places across the county. Lowest road surface temperature was -3c overnight along A229 near Staplehurst."

Have you seen snow today? Send us your pictures to news@thekmgroup.co.uk