by Emma Grove

The Sheppey Crossing is closed this morning after bad weather bought the county to a stand-still.

Sheppey seems to have escaped the worst of the snow though, with only about two inches falling on the Island.

Ken Beal, who measures rainfall from his home in Eastchurch, said there is about an inch and a half of snow where is he, and in Sheerness, firefighters said there is just short of two inches.

Snow was falling heavily over night and in the early hours of this morning in Sheppey, but it has stopped now and the snow is starting to melt.

Watch manager at Sheppey fire station, Andy Bridgersmart, said: "The sun has come out now and it's really slushy, it's not a huge amount of snow - you can still see the grass.

"Cars are still moving and all the main roads are open.

"It's still dangerous though so we advise people not to go out unless it's absolutely necessary."

Mr Bridgersmart added if drivers do have to go out, they should make sure they have a winter-pack with them, incluing warm clothes, a blanket, a shovel, a working torch and plenty of de-icer.

He also reminded people staying indoors to be careful where portable heaters are placed as they too can be dangerous.

Most of the shops in Sheerness have opened up, although there are not many people around.

Sheila Smith, who runs Rainbow Jewellers in Broadway and is secretary of Sheerness Traders' Assoication, said: "There are a few shops which are closed but the majority of places have opened up.

"I think the few people who are around are trying to get the essentials - food incase they do get stuck.

"It's going to be a strange day. I think in the afternoon people will starting thinking about whether to go out.

"I'm sure some shops will definitely shut early, especially if they have workers off the Island - to make sure they get home."

The Sheppey Crossing was closed at about 5am today (Friday) and motorists are still being diverted over the old bridge.

More pictures to follow ...