Care urged as chill sweeps in

Some side roads are only passable with care

Drivers across East Anglia were being warned to take care by police on Wednesday following overnight snow.

Some of the heaviest falls have been in Cambridgeshire with between five and 10 centimetres of snow in most areas and more expected later.

A spokesman said most major routes were open but warned drivers to allow more time for journeys and to take care.

About 20 schools in the county were closed because of difficulties with transport.

Schools were also closed in Norfolk and Suffolk where the west of both counties bore the brunt of the snow and driving conditions were described as treacherous.

Eight of 10 high school in Ipswich and the two largest Norwich closed for the day.

No major problems

In Essex, where about 30 schools remained closed, conditions were described as tricky.

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said gritters across the region had been out for much of the night and although there have been a couple of minor road accidents, there were no major problems.

"Generally everything is fine. Major routes are clear although of course drivers must take extra care."

Forecasters said the snow was expected to continue, spreading south with strong north to northwesterly winds and a maximum temperature of 1C (34F)

Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall to -3C (27F).

Drivers are warned the biggest danger in many areas will continue to be ice.

The Highways Agency was urging drivers to check the weather forecast before they set off and to listen to radio bulletins while on the road.

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