People in Suffolk are being warned of a possible "rise in deaths" among the vulnerable as a cold weather alert is issued for the region.

The alert is in effect from 10am on Monday until 6pm on Saturday as temperatures in the county are set to plummet to lows of up -4C.

The UK Health Security Agency issued the alert, warning that the cold weather could have an impact on health services, including "a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions".

READ MORE: 'Wintry hazards' could hit Suffolk next week

The agency also said it would become challenging to keep indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C and warned there could be staffing issues due to external factors such as travel delays. 

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While the Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow in parts of Scotland and northern England, snow is not currently expected to fall in Suffolk.

It will however become markedly colder tonight and become increasingly so until Saturday when temperatures are expected to rise again.

The Environment Agency also issued a flood alert for Monday after strong winds and high tides over the weekend.