POLICE are warning drivers to take extra care on the region's roads this morning as ice makes conditions extremely hazardous.

Avon and Somerset police have been called to more than 25 incidents so far today. Most of them are road traffic accidents caused by black ice and most have happened in Somerset and Bristol.

Gloucestershire Police is also responding to a number of accidents caused by the weather.

There have been several minor collisions in Gloucester and Cheltenham as well as hazardous driving conditions in Coleford, in the Forest of Dean and near Winchcombe.

The force warned on Twitter: "Take care if you're about to drive this morning.

"It's the first cold snap for a while and there are patches of black ice around the county."

Temperatures were lower first thing this morning than they have been for weeks. The cold start brought with it frost, ice and fog patches but as the morning goes on, temperatures will rise to seven or eight degrees under clear skies and some sunshine. 

Strong winds from the east are expected to reach the South West later today.

Tomorrow will see more rain and milder temperatures of 14 or 15 degrees.