Snow showers and freezing temperatures hit Kent... again!
Traffic at a standstill
on the A2 heading towards Dover after a snow today
Drifting snow caused havoc for motorists trying to get home
this evening.
The A260 leading up to Hawkinge - always a trouble spot in
snow - was blocked by vehicles which could not make the hill.
Some cars were abandoned at the side of the road, with their
drivers and passengers choosing to walk.
Traffic backed up to the busy roundabout off the A20.
Kent nline journalist Tricia Jamieson was stuck in the
jam.
She said: "It was ridiculous." "It took me around
three-quarters of an hour just to get along the slip road from the
A20 to the roundabout.
"Cars were pulling onto the roundabout to go up the A260 but
clearly couldn't
so just sat there.
"I saw a Highways Agency vehicle there, but no one was
directing any traffic."
More snow is forecast for the area overnight.
Snow on the A289 tonight,
heading towards the M2 turnoff
Elsewhere in the county, commuters faced difficult journeys
home this evening as poor weather affected roads and
rails.
North Kent was particularly bad, with up to an inch of snow
settling.
Blizzards buffeted parts of Kent as snow hit the county -
particularly eastern areas - with a vengeance today.
Motorists have been enduring bad conditions on the county's
roads as a severe weather warning was issued for the
county.
This evening, Southeastern reported delays of up to an hour on
some services to the county.
Earlier, the A20 was closed coastbound near Capel-le-Ferne after
several crashes this morning.
Kent Police shut the stretch following three collisions, a
jack-knifed lorry and fuel spillage near the Courtwood Interchange
at about 8am.
Police asked drivers to avoid the area as forecasters predict
snow showers and strong winds today.
The gusts, predicted to reach more than 60mph in the
Channel, will make it feel as cold as -7C.
The Met Office was today warning of potentially heavy snow
across Kent .
Farmers joined in the job
to clear the snow in Bewsbury Cross Lane, Whitfield
Gales, or even severe gales, could hit the coast, they warn.
The forecast comes after gritters were out across the county
last night. Most roads were this morning clear, with the snow
showers kept to a minimum.
But drivers are warned to wrap up warm - the cold spell and snow
could last into the middle of the week at least.
Meanwhile, on the ferries, DFDS Seaways has seen delays of up to
two hours due to the bad weather.
P&O passengers have been forced to wait up to an hour on its
Dover to Calais route, due to the snow.
Great weather for
training... Kent's county cricketers out in the snow at the St
Lawrence ground earlier today. Picture: @kentcricket
11/03/13
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