2:30pm Friday 18th December 2009
A WEATHER warning has been issued by the Met Office this afternoon (December 18), forecasting "rain, sleet and snow" on Sunday.
The latest forecast comes on the back of heavy snowfall last night which has caused widespread disruption in the News Shopper area.
It is thought up to 20cm of snow settled in some places and the Met Office warns the main risk over the weekend will be icy roads on Sunday (December 20).
There are no adverse weather conditions expected tomorrow (December 19), according to the Met Office.
The snow flurries predicted for today have failed to materialise meaning council gritting teams can get to work on as yet untreated roads.
Temperatures are not expected to get above 2C today.
And the weekend will be even colder with temperatures not expected to get above freezing tomorrow and reaching just 1C on Sunday.
Trains
The train operating company running routes through the News Shopper area confirmed there were delays on all of its services because of the snow during rush hour.
A statement on Southeastern’s website states: “Snow and icy weather may be affecting services this morning (December 18).
“We’re aiming to run as full a service as possible.
“All mainline routes from Kent and East Sussex are subject to delays and cancellations. Please allow additional time for your journey.”
Schools
There are several confirmed school closures around Bromley borough today.
So far, the primary, junior and infant schools confirmed closed because of the weather are Cudham Primary and Oaklands Primary in Biggin Hill.
Secondary schools closed today are Beaverwood School for Girls; Bullers Wood School; Coopers Technology College; and Marjorie McClure School, all in Chislehurst.
Newstead Wood School for Girls in Orpington is also closed.
Lewisham Council says there are no reported school closures.
In north Kent, Dartford Bridge Community Primary School, Meopham Secondary School, Istead Rise Primary School, Downs View Community Primary School and Horton Kirby School are closed.
Forecast
The Met Office has confirmed south-east England has been the worst affected by the snow.
A statement on Met Office's website added: “It is still too early to say what the weather on Christmas day itself will be, with a battle taking place over the UK between cold air over the country and milder air trying to push up from the south.”
Roads
The Highways Agency confirmed there were delays of an hour on the M20 eastbound between junctions three and nine this morning.
Firefighters
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is warning households to ensure their chimneys are swept as built up soot and ash can cause chimney fires.
People should keep portable heaters dust-free and well away from anything which could catch fire.
Candles should be placed on a non flammable surface and never be left unattended.
Firefighters are also reminding people to ensure they have a working smoke alarm fitted.
Police
Kent police say they have had double the number of calls they usually receive, with more than 5,500 calls in the last 12 hours and are asking people not to ring in unless it is an emergency.
They are advising drivers who have been forced to abandon their vehicles to leave them until the weather conditions improve and it is safe to return.
Any vehicles blocking routes will be moved to the side of the road by the Highways Agency.
Fancy a flutter?
Odds of a white Christmas in the capital have been slashed to 3-1 by Betfair. Manchester has the shortest odds of the UK's cities at 2-1.
Keep following News Shopper's website today for updates about the bad weather.
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