ISLE of Wight residents are being reminded of key advice for cold weather following a Met Office forecast for this week.

The Met Office advise that there is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/snow between now on Thursday, January 31 and 9am on Friday, February 1, in the South East of England, including the Island.

This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services, the Isle of Wight Council warned.

There may be widespread frost and occasional wintry showers. Some snowfall and ice is possible in places and there may be significant wind chill at times in strong winds.

Although not often needed, the Isle of Wight Council said it has robust and tested cold weather emergency arrangements in place.

Island Roads monitor the weather accordingly to ensure that key main roads are gritted and kept clear.

In addition, 4x4 arrangements are in place to ensure that key council staff such as those in social care are able to continue to deliver services within the community.

The council said the best advice is to make sure that in adverse weather conditions, you only go out if really necessary and keep warm in your homes and check on vulnerable neighbours, such as the ill and the elderly.

Important guidance and tips on preparing for and what to do in cold weather can be found at www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Winter-Weather-Advice/Cold-Weather-Alert1

With weather alerts in place for the Isle of Wight and dropping temperatures, the winter shelter provision delivered by The Salvation Army provides warmth, food and shelter to anyone (18 years +) that find themselves without a place to stay.

If you are aware or in contact with someone without somewhere to stay, encourage them to contact either The Isle of Wight Council housing team on 823040 or out of hours 821105 or The Salvation Army on 812743.

Individuals 16 years + with no place to stay can also contact The Isle of Wight Council housing team.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can also send an alert to Streetlink by visiting www.streetlink.org.uk, via the mobile app, or by calling 0300 500 0914 — this will connect them to local services and support.

If you suspect someone is in immediate risk, harm or danger from sleeping rough, call the police on 999.