The warning is in place for between 2pm and 9pm on 31 January. A yellow warning remains for Friday.
Some schools and colleges have already closed in preparation for the forecasted snow. The principal of Kingston Mauward College published an update on Twitter:
Due to the forecast heavy snow Thursday evening and the very long journeys many of our students take, for safety reasons we are closing the College tomorrow at lunchtime. Morning buses and lessons will run as normal. @WessexFM @Dorsetecho
— Luke Rake (@lukerake) 30 January 2019
Others closed include Mountjoy School in Beaminster and The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.
While Bournemouth University hasn’t announced any closures on Talbot Campus, the Yeovil Campus has been closed.
Similarly, local transport companies are taking measures to prepare, despite no sign of snow.
Dorset County Council transportation services have been CANCELLED tomorrow (Friday 1 February) due to forecast adverse weather. This includes contract school buses, special educational needs vehicles and taxis. #dorsetweather
— Travel Dorset (@TravelDorset) 31 January 2019
Poole Borough Council has 1000 tonnes of salt in preparation. All main road networks have been gritted, with plans to grit again this evening.
South Western Railway have confirmed there are no current disruptions to trains, but are advising customers to check their journeys in advance and leave earlier than planned.
The train company prepare for cold weather by running ghost trains at night to keep tracks clear of snow and ice. They also implement temporary speed restrictions to ensure passenger safety.
To keep up to date with local forecasts, follow @TravelDorset on Twitter, listen to Wessex FM or visit the BBC Weather website. You can check school closures here.
