SUFFOLK woke today to the first widespread frost of the season as temperatures plummeted to zero.There were even reports of snow in some parts of Ipswich as bleary-eyed motorists battled to de-ice their cars in the cold snap.

SUFFOLK woke today to the first widespread frost of the season as temperatures plummeted to zero.

There were even reports of snow in some parts of Ipswich as bleary-eyed motorists battled to de-ice their cars in the cold snap.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers said the cold front which followed yesterday's heavy rainfall – as much as the first 18 days of November combined – would be short-lived.

He said: "There is a cold blast coming from the Arctic but it will be cut off quickly and by Monday or Tuesday it will warm up again.

"I was told there was snow but it was very brief. I could not record it as snow because it has to be lying on the ground."

He added: "A cold front moved south across East Anglia in the past 12 hours which caused all that rain – well over half-an-inch yesterday. Then the cold front behind brought in the cold air."

The picture was the same across the country as motorists were being warned to prepare for the treacherous driving conditions.

Anna Woolnough, of Suffolk police, said: "With winter upon us, it is important to ensure your car is in full mechanical condition.

"Before leaving home also ensure that your car is warmed up and that all windows are defrosted so you have full visibility."

Police in Cambridgeshire also urged drivers to be careful after the first centimetre or so of snow fell on the county.

Passengers on five flights were re-routed when bad weather closed Nottingham East Midlands Airport and snow settled briefly in Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Essex.

The Highways Agency's gritters are on standby to treat motorways and other strategic roads and maintenance teams have been gritting in advance of the cold weather.

Drivers are advised to check for up-to-date information on weather and road conditions before they set off, and during their journey.

Information about road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency by calling 08457 504030 or visiting www.highways.gov.uk.