SUB-ZERO temperatures have caused a string of crashes on icy roads this morning, closing parts of the A38 and leading to several collisions.
In Marsh Barton one lane of the A30 is blocked between Alphington junction and Exminster because of a collision.
Parts of the A38 in South East Cornwall were closed earlier after crashes near Saltash, Dobwalls and Liskeard.
There were also early morning accidents on the Broadley Industrial Estate in Roborough and at Grenofen, near Tavistock.
There have also been several accidents in the Totnes area.
The weather hit as forecasters predicted Devon could be getting a dusting of the white stuff as weather warnings are issued across the South West.
The Met Office warned motorists of "difficult driving conditions" this morning as temperatures plummeted below freezing and snow was set to fall on higher ground.
And forecasters are "certain" the outlook for next week is going to be cold.
Yesterday Devon County Council's snow wardens were put on standby for the coldest spell so far this winter.
Laura Young from the Met Office said: "We're looking at proper wintry weather. It is going to be freezing."
If you woke up early this morning you might have seen snow on the higher grounds at Staddiscombe and Roborough, and even the city centre was forecast for a widespread ice and frost. Temperatures were predicted to reach as low as -3C overnight.
Sunny spells and wintry showers, with the risk of snow flurries, will continue throughout the day.
"It will warm up quite quickly," said Ms young. "But there will be more patchy showers overnight, more likely to be rain."
Yesterday the Met Office issued a weather warning for the South West.
Their website said: 'A band of rain, sleet and snow will spread east across the area on Saturday morning. 2-4 cm of snow are likely in places above 200m, with the risk of temporary local accumulations to low levels. Icy patches may form, especially on untreated surfaces.'
Forecasters predict temperatures will drop down again overnight tonight, and Sunday is looking "uncertain".
Ms Young said the weather could go "one way or the other". "On Sunday there's the potential for quite rainy weather," she said. "And there could be snow. But that's only 30 per cent probability.
"Next week will remain cold."
Temperatures will struggle to reach 6/7C throughout the week, which forecasters say is just below average for this time of year.
The weather system will be "dragging down" cold air from the North West, and snow showers on high ground is said to be "probable".
Ms Young warned people to "keep an eye" on weather warnings issued over the weekend.
Devon County Council gritters treated nearly 1,700 miles of road across the county from 3pm yesterday afternoon and again in the early hours of this morning.
Current indications are that temperatures may remain cold for the next 10 days.
Around 280 volunteer snow wardens in towns and parishes across the county have been alerted they may need to engage their 'self-help plans' to support the council's efforts in the coming days.
Because of the cold weather, the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) is urging people to take care of themselves, elderly relatives and neighbours.
The NHS say they have been under strain over the last few weeks and people are being asked to use health services wisely, using self-care where possible, and only visiting A&E in an emergency.HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS
Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;
Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;
Drive with care and according to the conditions
If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.TIPS FOR STAYING WARM
Check on elderly neighbours to see if they have everything they need.
Keep warm in your own home by making sure your windows are closed properly, seal your doors, close off any unused rooms, wear layers, and drink lots of tea.
The NHS has advised that if it is not possible to keep the whole house warm, people should try to keep one main room and the bedroom warm and stay there unless they have to go outside.
Make sure your cabinets are stocked with over the counter medicines.
Keep as active in your home as possible.
...BUT AT LEAST IT WAS HOT LAST YEAR
LAST year was globally the hottest on record, climate experts have confirmed.
Two separate analyses by US government agencies National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Nasa both showed 2014 was the hottest in records dating back to 1880.
Global land and sea surface temperatures were 0.69C (1.24F) above 20th century averages, "easily breaking" the previous record years of 2005 and 2010, experts from NOAA's National Climatic Data Centre said.
Last year was also the 38th year in a row when annual global temperatures were above the long-term average, while nine of the 10 warmest years since 1880 have all occurred in the 21st century.
Areas around the world experienced record temperatures, including most of Europe stretching into northern Africa, parts of eastern and western coastal Australia, and the western United States, the experts said.
The announcements mean that two of the three key international climate monitoring schemes have concluded 2014 was a record warm year.
