Schools close early as Kent braced for snow chaos
Poor weather
conditions on the M25 in Kent this afternoon
Wrap up warm... there could be sub-zero temperatures
tonight.
That's the forecast as parts of Kent missed the worst of the
severe weather and snow today.
Predictions for the region say it will be very cold, with some
more snow into the evening. Temperatures could plummet to -2C.
Southeastern said some services from London to the
county were being cancelled and others delayed because of
snow.
Kent Police also urged motorists to take extra care
while the county battled to keep moving in sub-zero
conditions.
Southeastern said passengers should plan journeys early and
leave extra time to travel as there is disruption on most of
its lines in Kent.
Spokesman Sarah Boundy told KentOnline: "We're really urging
customers to consider leaving work early and allowing additional
time to get home and start planning their journey.
"There's disruption on almost all of our lines. It's not been
snowing since about 9am in many places and the snow and bad weather
is set to continue.
"Although we ran a good service this morning and people were
able to get into London very easily, it's really important now they
start to think about making their journey home.
"We will do our very best to make sure everyone gets home, but
it's really important people consider the weather conditions and if
possible leave early."
A pedestrian braves the
weather in Maidstone as (below) snow begins to cover Gravesend's
Horn Yard car park
Schools across Kent closed early today after the Met
Office issued a severe weather warning for the county and
forecasters said the white stuff could settle as deep as 10cm
in parts, with strong winds leading to snow drifts.
Several schools - mostly in the west of the county
- sent pupils home early this afternoon because of the
weather.
Among the first to announce closures were Istead Rise
Primary, Gravesend; Mascalls School, Paddock Wood; Edenbridge
Primary, Edenbridge; and Halstead Community Primary, Halstead.
Meanwhile, the snow has led to a series of sporting
fixtures being postponed.
Gillingham FC's game away to Rochdale tomorrow has
been called off because of a frozen pitch.
And Lordswood FC's tie against County Durham club
Spennymoor in the FA Vase - the biggest game in the club's history
- is also not taking place.
Elsewhere, justice froze over at Maidstone Crown Court this
afternoon with no cases being heard after lunch because
of the snow.
Frozen branches at the
side of the road in Hythe. Picture: Garry Blackburn
Dozens of gritters were out in force this morning as a band
of snow was expected to push across Kent from the west
today.
The Met Office's severe weather warning for Kent stretches into
the weekend, with more snow showers likely on Saturday and
widespread ice into Sunday morning.
Kent County Council said it is primed to cope with whatever the
weather conditions.
Staff concentrate on clearing primary routes first, which
include access to hospitals, fire stations and other important
facilities while it's snowing or if there are strong winds causing
drifting.
Once those main roads are clear, staff will work on other
roads.
A spokesman said its 60 gritters were out last night, and would
be out again from 4am today.
17/01/13
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