Police have warned motorists to only travel when necessary today as heavy snow and sub-zero conditions continue to blight the region’s transport system.
A Met Office yellow warning for snow will remain in place until 11.55pm tonight across the region. It was originally due to end at 11am. Several roads were left impassable following heavy snowfall overnight, with up to five inches reported in some areas. Here is the latest weather forecast.
Travellers reported major traffic delays and stranded cars on the A14, A12, and urban and rural roads. East Anglia was the worst-hit region in the country. Temperatures fell to at least -3C overnight.
Suffolk police were called to around 130 weather-related emergency and non-emergency incidents between 7am and 11am today.
Greater Anglia was forced to cancel or delay over 100 services this morning. Shortly after 11am, it announced a reduced service will operate between:
Liverpool Street and Norwich Hourly calling at Colchester, Maningtree, Ipswich, Stowmarket and Diss
Liverpool Street and Ipswich Hourly calling at Stratford, Shenfield and then all stations to Ipswich
Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria every 30 minutes calling at Stratford, Shenfield and then all stations to Southend
Meanwhile, Ipswich Buses have decided to suspend all services until further notice due to the dangerous road conditions.
Chief Inspector Matt Rose, of Suffolk Constabulary’s ‘Suffolk Contact and Control Room, said: “Only get behind the wheel if it is completely necessary and, please, if you do travel make sure you make the necessary provisions for your journey and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey ahead.
“Our priority is those who are already stuck or have been involved in an RTC. Please bear with us, we have to take the same precautions you do and it may take as slightly longer to get to you.
“My final appeal is for you to look after each other. If you have elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours, make sure they are ok and have everything they need.”
• Send us your spectacular photos of the snow - see if you can make it into our picture gallery.
Ipswich Hospital tweeted: “Most outpatient appointments running as usual today. Patient Transport Service is focusing on urgent care (renal, radiotherapy, 2-week waits) & discharges home, so unfortunately cannot bring patients in for routine appointments.”
Colchester Hospital tweeted: “All our services are running as usual today but please consider your safety before deciding whether to come in for an appointment. If you can’t make it do let us know on 01206 747576. We guarantee to re-book your appointment as soon as we possibly can. And stay warm!”
Stansted Airport tweeted: “WEATHER UPDATE: Due to continuing adverse weather conditions across the UK and Europe, some flights may be disrupted. We continue advising passengers to check the latest status of their flight with the Airline before travelling to the Airport. Thank you.”
This morning, police were reporting delays on the A14 westbound near Whitehouse due to lorries finding it difficult to climb the sliproad.
There were also delays reported in the A14 westbound near Trimley St Martin due to a stalled car which has closed lane two.
The A137 northbound, between Stutton Lane and the A14, has also been hit by delays as has the A1071 Thorpes Hill eastbound in Burstall.
According to the AA, which was called out to three times as many breakdowns than normal nationwide, there was heavy traffic on the A14 near Haughley in both directions and on the A140 towards Earl Stonham.
Traffic was slow on Norwich Road, Yarmouth Road, St Helen’s Street, Fore Hamlet and Felixstowe Road in Ipswich.
There was also heavy traffic reported on Woodbridge Road heading towards Ipswich, especially at the entrances to Grange Farm in Kesgrave.
A police spokesman said they had not received many calls for collisions on the roads as many drivers have decided to stay home this morning.
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