Severe weather warning released

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for widespread icy roads in East Sussex, Kent and Medway.

Gritters were out across the counties spreading thousands of tonnes of salt as temperatures plummeted throughout the night.

Seven schools in Eastbourne in Sussex and Longfield, Sittingbourne, Thanet, Ramsgate in Kent have been closed because of the conditions.

Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for most of Tuesday.

In an online statement, the Met Office said: "Surfaces left wet from sleet and snow showers will lead to icy conditions on untreated roads and pavements.

"The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads."

Schools shut

The emergency services have urged motorists to take extra care on the roads.

BBC weather forecaster John Hammond explained the current freezing conditions were caused by Arctic air which swept across Scandinavia and over the North Sea.

Sevenoaks Primary School, Langafel Church of England Primary School, Longfield, Minster Church of England Primary School in Thanet, Dame Janet Infants in Ramsgate, have been shut.

Southborough Church of England Primary School infants, Milstead and Frinsted Church of England Primary School, near Sittingbourne, Canterbury Road Primary School, Sittingbourne, and Stafford Junior school in Eastbourne are also closed.

At least 11 schools in the Medway towns, Dover, Sevenoaks and Ramsgate were shut on Monday because of the snowy conditions.

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