AN OVERNIGHT downfall of snow surprised many residents and led the emergency services to urge drivers to be cautious.

The Met Office correctly predicted sleet and snow last night (January 13) and warned that roads would be icy this morning.

Some residents were doubtful that it would snow and expressed their surprise at finding a sprinkling in the morning.

West Mercia Police had previously issued safety advice to drivers in anticipation of the snowy weather.

A highways spokesman said gritters covered Worcestershire's roads with salt 'around the clock' last night.

Some residents were severely disappointed with the snowfall, given the build-up.

Tracey Bowkett, 48, who lives in Bunns Road, Worcester, said: "It may only be a dusting of snow but when I left home at 6am it was icy underneath that too!"

Emma Short wrote on Facebook: "I got all excited when my two year old daughter woke me this morning saying 'do you wanna build a snowman'

"Unfortunately once again she was just reciting from the Disney film Frozen as there is no chance of building anything with what claims to be snow outside the house!"

Cllr Hannah Campbell, who sits on Malvern Town Council, said: "No matter how old I am, I'm still excited when I pull back the curtains to see if it's snowed!"

A Worcester City Council spokesman warned residents to be careful due to the icy roads and pavements.

Forecasters are not expecting another snowfall this weekend although it will be frosty, with wintry showers possible.

It is not expected that temperatures will drop below zero again in the next few days, although road temperatures will plummet.

A highways spokesman said: "Gritters back out as we expect road temperatures to fall below zero from 4pm [Friday] and down to -3C overnight."

The spokesman added that some isolated sleet flurries could be expected.

Temperatures tomorrow (January 14) will average around 4C and will shoot up to around 8C on Sunday.