Snow hits Beccles

WINTER'S first snow showers hit Beccles today - and more is expected later in the week as temperatures plummet.

Forecasters have already issued a snow warning for the county for Friday - with up to 10cm predicted - but Ipswich, Beccles and Bury St Edmunds have all seen snow so far today.

Suffolk police said that no accidents caused by the weather have been reported as yet.

Temperatures are likely to remain at between 3C and 5C during daytime throughout the week meaning more snow showers are almost certain.

Chris Bell, a forecaster with Weatherquest, said: “It's going to be chilly for the rest of the week and three sets of snow could be on the way.

“We have the potential for snow today as a cold front will come down during the middle of the day.

“This could affect parts of Suffolk and north Essex but it's likely to be light flurries rather than heavy snow.

“There's also a chance of sleet and rain which could melt some of the snow away.

“Friday and Saturday could also see snow showers throughout the region as temperatures stay low.”

However, Mr Bell added that a white Christmas would be unlikely in Suffolk this year.

“I won't be rushing down the bookies - put it that way,” he added.

“It will be chilly and frosty next week but snow is unlikely. However, we don't like to make firm predictions for events over a week away.”

A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council said their team of gritting vehicles are ready for the snow.

“Our gritters were out in force across the county last night and this morning,” the spokesperson said.

“We have to judge the situation on conditions and what's predicted throughout each day.

“Our priority is to cover all A and B roads and then roads into villages, as well as bus and school routes.

“We have 38 gritting vehicles and 17,350 tonnes of salt stored in ten strategic locations in Suffolk - we're well prepared for it.”