PEOPLE across the region are bracing themselves for a second wave of snow chaos with the possibility of more falling in the area over the next 48 hours.

PEOPLE across the region are bracing themselves for a second wave of snow chaos with the possibility of more falling in the area over the next 48 hours.

Suffolk escaped a fresh covering of snow overnight although sleet showers are forecast for Ipswich tomorrow and Saturday.

In Cambridgeshire, police have urged people not to drive following heavy snow across the county overnight.

A spokeswoman for the force said a number of roads had been affected including the A1, which was down to one lane, and the A14, which was closed in some areas.

“The message is to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary,” she said. “There have been minor collisions across the county and the advice is to take extra care. Reduce speed and keep well back from any vehicles in front.”

Elsewhere in the country the M4, particularly around Bristol and Swindon, the M5 and the M1 in the south Midlands are badly affected.

Runways at Luton and East Midlands airports are closed, 170 schools in Wales are to shut and there are bus and train cancellations in Bristol.

There are several severe weather warnings in place and councils say they are running low on gritting salt.

Bosses at Suffolk County Council are assuring people the county's road gritters will be out in force, claiming supplies remain well stocked.

A spokeswoman said: “We are receiving daily deliveries by road and a weekly delivery by sea.

“The gritters will be out across the county tonight from 6pm and in the morning from 4.30.

“It has been a particularly hectic winter and we started gritting in November and we have not had any problems with supplies.”

When ice is expected 1095 miles of priority one roads, including all principal routes and some B roads, are targeted.

If snow is forecast all 39 gritters in the county based at ten 'strategic' locations cover 1660 miles of priority one and two roads using 330 tonnes. Each gritting treatment costs around �10,000 to the taxpayer.

As a back up the council has an arrangement with 300 local farmers to assist with snow clearing if necessary.