Haldon Hill returns to normal after snow traffic chaos

Video: Watch the operation to clear Haldon Hill and Telegraph Hill

Conditions are returning to normal after thousands of rush-hour motorists were stuck for hours in blizzards in Devon on Tuesday evening.

Snow and accidents meant cars got stuck on the A38 Haldon Hill and A380 Telegraph Hill. Gritters and snowploughs struggled to get through.

The jam left some motorists stranded for eight hours and traffic only started moving at 1am on Wednesday.

It's the second time this has happened at Haldon Hill in 12 months - the same thing occurred in February 2009.

Emergency services at the incident at Haldon Hill

An emergency rescue centre was opened at Chudleigh Town Hall where local volunteers and voluntary sector representatives provided shelter with blankets and refreshments.

Latest weather forecast for Devon

Live travel information on Devon's roads

Travel information index

Keep up to date - BBC Radio Devon - listen live

Exeter Racecourse at Haldon Hill also opened its doors to help people who could reach them.

The forecast for Wednesday is dry and cloudy for many with a few outbreaks of rain, sleet or snow especially during the morning and becoming brighter in a few places this afternoon.

Latest weather forecast for Devon

Gritters were out near Princetown on Dartmoor

Devon County Council has again advised parents to contact schools directly on Wednesday morning to see if they are open. Parents should also contact their local school transport operator for information on Wednesday morning, or to listen to local radio.

This page has links to key services - see below.

Amazing photos

You have been sending in some wonderful photographs, showing how the snow has affected all parts of Devon - a huge thank you to everyone who has emailed us pictures, helping us to reflect conditions in the county.

We have made three galleries (so far!) and will use as many as we possibly can.

Snow in Devon - gallery 3

Snow in Devon - gallery 2

Snow in Devon - gallery 1

Hot tips on surving the cold, by Devon polar explorer

Falling victim to the snow and ice

Video - swans trapped as River Exe freezes up

Video - concern over Dartmoor ponies in the big freeze

Stranded farmers having to pour their milk away

Birds need our help in cold snap

Sledges going down a (snow) storm

This page has essential links to access more information about weather and travel. There are also links to the councils responsible for roads and schools - see below.

BBC Devon links

Latest weather forecast for Devon

South West tide times

Severe weather warnings

Travel information

BBC Radio Devon - listen live

Local councils

For information about school closures and affected roads, contact your local council:

Devon County Council homepage

Devon County Council - transport and roads

Plymouth City Council homepage

Torbay Council homepage

Useful links to essential services

Devon and Cornwall Police

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Met Office

Environment Agency - flood warnings

Travel services

National Rail Enquiries

Highways Agency

First Group - buses

Plymouth City Bus

First Great Western trains

Virgin trains

Exeter Airport

Plymouth Airport

Get in touch or send photos

To let us know about how the weather is affecting your area, or to submit photos, you can email us at [e-mail]