Brace yourselves for snow – that was the warning issued by forecasters today amid predictions up to 8cm could start settling in some parts of Norfolk and Suffolk this afternoon.

Emergency services are warning people to take extra care, with wintry weather set to make the county's roads treacherous, while gritters were despatched this morning to try to keep roads clear as mercury in thermometers plunged.

And bosses at charities which look after older people urged the public to keep an eye out for neighbours who could be at risk as temperatures fall.

The heaviest snowfall is expected to arrive tonight with sub-zero temperatures – potentially the coldest spell of the winter so far – making it likely the snow will remain for much of the week.

In Norfolk, the west of the county is likely to see the first of the snow from mid afternoon, with flurries spreading over to the east of the county as night falls. Areas such as Swaffham, Downham Market and Watton are expected to be most affected, with the eastern coastal area perhaps likely to see less snow.

In preparation for the icy blast, Norfolk County Council sent out its gritters onto the roads at 6pm last night and at 4am today.

And Norfolk police have issued a warning for drivers to take extra care on the county's roads. A spokesman said: 'Road conditions are expected to become icy with road temperatures down to -5. Please take care driving on Norfolk roads.'

Chris Bell, a forecaster for UEA-based Weatherquest, said: 'We may just see a few flurries before then, but the accumulating snow is not likely until very late in the day – 3pm, I think for western parts of the county and spreading across the rest of the county through the evening.

'Accumulations of 4-8cm are quite likely across a lot of the county.'

For the full story see todays' EDP and Norwich Evening News.

• And, when the white stuff does arrive, please share your snow pictures with us by downloading them to www.iwitness24.co.uk