Live updates as the region faces another day of severe disruption caused by the extreme Siberian weather. Police have warned against non-urgent travel. More snow is on the way amid below-freezing temperatures, icy roads, and snowdrifts blocking main and rural roads. Trains are now severely disrupted due to a blocked line.
TRAINS
Greater Anglia has announced cancellations to services on all routes due to severe weather.
This means train services running across the whole Greater Anglia network may be cancelled, delayed by up to 50 minutes or revised, and disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Also, due to severe weather between Ipswich and Felixstowe all lines are blocked.
For further information see here.
ROADS
Suffolk police is urging drivers to avoid using the A140 where possible as weather conditions continue to make journeys difficult.
The road is currently closed at the Beacon Hill services, where the road meets the A14 in Suffolk, because vehicles, including lorries, cannot get up the hill there.
Colin Adwent, corporate communications manager at Suffolk Constabulary, said in various places along the carriageway snow is drifting across the road so it is only passable in certain locations.
Speaking about the problems faced near the Beacon Hill services, Mr Adwent said: “Although the road is clear it is very icy.”
Suffolk police continue to advise drivers to avoid travelling where possible after overnight snow drifts caused a number of main roads to be blocked.
Drifting snow caused early morning delays on the A140 north of Stonham Aspal, while hazardous driving conditions were reported on the A14 at Trimley St Martin.
The A140 was closed in both directions just north of the A1120 junction after a lorry jackknifed.
Many of the exposed roads on Bawdsey peninsula are inaccessible to all but very high four-wheel-drive vehicles and tractors.
Meanwhile, Shotley peninsula is reportedly “completely blocked off” by snowdrifts.
In Essex the A120 is partly closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Further snow showers are expected, accompanied by very low temperatures.
There is the possibility of travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers, and delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.
Police are continuing to urge drivers to take care and be cautious of black ice as temperatures drop further.
Driving conditions are expected to worsen as standing water freezes and motorists are still being advised to only make essential journeys.
Officers are also urging drivers of HGVs to stick to the left hand lanes on dual carriageways due to the weather conditions.
Chief Inspector Matt Rose from the Contact and Control Room said: “While the roads may look clearer there will be hidden dangers as any standing water freezes.
“Our advice remains the same – drive to the conditions and only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary.
“Drivers of heavy goods vehicles should avoid using the fast lanes on dual carriageways – our aim is for everyone to get where they are travelling to safely.”
Essex Police said at around 10.45am: “We’re advising drivers to avoid the A120 at HorsleyCross and the B1028 in Wivenhoe due to adverse weather conditions.
“Drifting snow is affecting these two roads, causing difficult driving conditions, and there are two HGVs currently stuck on the Harwich-bound A120 at Horsley Cross.”
Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s casualty reduction manager, said: “We are currently working with Highways England and Essex County Council to try and keep these roads clear and safe, and keep traffic moving.
“I ask drivers to please avoid these areas and urge everyone to only take journeys where necessary.
“Please also be careful elsewhere in the county, particularly on the minor roads.”
Jaywick Lane in Clacton is currently closed both ways between Richmond Drive and Miller’s Barn Road due to ice.
Market Hill in Maldon is also closed both ways between Fullbridge and High Street due to snow.
A spokesman for Tendring District Council said: “Drivers should only travel if essential. If you must drive, then be prepared – make sure you have warm clothes and a blanket, food and water, a charged mobile phone, and a shovel.
“If you do have to abandon your journey, make sure you car is parked and clear of the main route, so that snow ploughs can continue to operate.”
SUFFOLK HIGHWAYS - updates here.
We’re continuing to face difficult weather and the strong winds and drifting snow is not helping. Our main focus today is to continually treat the priority 1 network and plough where necessary. We’re keeping the main routes as clear as possible and calling on the support of our contracted farmers to assist with clearing the rural areas. All of our teams are working flat out and extra hours to ensure our strategic routes remain as clear as possible. If you need to drive, please continue to do so carefully.
BUSES
Ipswich Buses - updates here.
Service Update: Most of our town services are running today to the normal timetable today apart from 7,14 & 16 which we are unable to run. But please keep refreshing our twitter page for updates.
FirstIpswich - updates here.
We are currently operating all services, but via main roads only.
AIRPORTS
Stansted Airport said at 10.30am: “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.”
See live departures here. Flights are currently being delayed by around two hours.
Luton Airport
“Weather advisory for 1st March: Due to the continued forecast of snow and freezing temperatures on Thursday 1 March, some flights may be subject to delay or cancellation Please check with your airline for the latest status of your flight.”
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