The Met Office predicts that Arctic winds will sweep much of Scotland and eastern England tomorrow (Friday] and Saturday, bringing several centimetres of snow in places.
The AA urges drivers to take extra care and to make sure they drive to suit the conditions.
The breakdown organisation says breakdowns could double in worst affected areas and it will have extra patrols available to deal with any problems.
AA Patrol of the Year Andy Taylor says people should drive only as fast as conditions allow, and remember that stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow.
"Make sure you check local weather and traffic conditions before setting off, and if conditions are particularly bad, don't travel.
"You should also make sure you carry an emergency kit in your car – including de-icers, ice-scrapers, and spare warm clothing or blankets – so you don't get caught out if conditions change suddenly."
The AA has provided the following tips on how to stay safe in the cold snap:
* Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in heavy snow. Use all the car's controls – accelerator, brakes, clutch and steering – as gently and progressively as possible;
· Wear comfortable, dry shoes: cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals;
·Carry an ice-scraper, de-icer, food, hot flask, blanket, warning triangle, and a fully charged mobile in the car;
·Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view and can also be a hazard to other road users. You could be fined and receive three penalty points if the police consider your car a danger to other road users;
· Keep to main roads as they are more likely to be gritted and will be patrolled by police;
·Only drive as fast as conditions allow;
·Remember that stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow.