Sidmouth’s snow warden is warning motorists to be careful as temperatures are expected to drop as low as minus eight tonight.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, who is head of highways for Devon County Council, said gritters will be out again ahead of forecast snow showers and icy temperatures.

He also said East Devon could expect snow at around midday on Thursday and will head out to grit roads around the Sid Valley on the town new state-of-the-art gritter.

The vehicle, which cost £6,000, was purchased through Investing in Devon funding and can spread up to 400kg of rock salt in one sitting.

Cllr Hughes took the machine on its first run on Tuesday spreading salt along four miles of road which would not normally be gritted.

He said: “It is a cracking bit of machinery. We spent a few hours going round all the estate roads you would not usually get round.

“The work put into making our community more resilient was well worth while.”

The Met Office has issued amber snow warnings across Devon. Devon County Council has been working with Highways England and Devon and Cornwall Police in preparation for potential snow showers in the early hours of the morning.

Motorists are warned to be aware of possible disruption on the county’s roads.

Sergeant Paul Kearton, of the alliance operations planning department, said: “Motorists across Devon and Cornwall are urged to take extra care in the weather conditions expected over the coming days.

“We would advise the public to drive to conditions of the road, slow down, keep your distance and keep an eye on weather reports. If you have to travel, carry additional warm clothing/footwear, food, drink, a charged mobile phone, and ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel, and all fluids are topped up.”