It's snow time. All the latest news and reaction, plus latest forecasts (From Ledbury Reporter)

9:32pm

That's all for today.

We'll be back with another live report tomorrow.

Keep tweeting using #SnowWN or text 80360 WN News.

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Click here for national weather round-up.

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LONELY: Snowman by Leah and mummy

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WUFF! Dog in the snow, by Chris Vaughan

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COLD WATER: Narrowboats at Diglis, Worcester, by Andrew Wilson

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WOO! Spooky tree in the snow by Marian Carnall

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Ambulance crews were kept extremely busy as the snowfall and icy conditions arrived in the region earlier this morning.

Compared to a normal Friday, the Trust saw a 19 percent increase in incidents from midnight until 1pm today.

Craig Cooke, WMAS Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: "Initial reports suggest the heavy snowfall has increased 999 demands across the West Midlands.

“The number of patients suffering slips, trips and falls increased. However, I am pleased to say that our crews have coped extremely well with the elements and continue to get to patients as quickly as possible.

“I am also thankful to the public who adhered to the weather warnings and the public safety advice.”

With the weather conditions remaining difficult over the weekend, the public is further advised to take extra care and only travel if it is essential to do so. 

The public is also being urged to make sure they ‘choose well’ when they access the NHS at this difficult time. The 999 service is for life-threatening conditions and emergencies, such as chest pain, stroke, serious blood loss or a state of unconsciousness.  Other agencies such as NHS Direct are available to offer advice and assistance on less urgent cases. 

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GRITTERS are working around the clock in Worcestershire with snow expected to continue through this evening. 

The County Council's gritting teams will continue to work on routes across Worcestershire throughout the evening with snow expected to fall until the early hours of tomorrow morning. 

Crews have been treating designated routes with salt since 2pm yesterday afternoon. They've been ploughing since the early hours of this morning. 

All 1,233 County Council grit bins in Worcestershire have been re-filled since the new-year and people are encouraged to make use of them by using salt on the highways.

To help residents pinpoint their nearest bin an interactive map is available at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting, which allows users to search by postcode.

By close of play tomorrow over the previous seven days the crews would have covered the equivalent distance of travelling from County Hall, Worcester, to the North Pole and back.

Jon Fraser, County Council Highways Customer and Community Manager, said: "The gritting crews haven't really stopped now for 24 hours. As one shift ends, another one starts. We are doing everything we can to treat and clear roads whilst we are in the grips of this bout of heavy snow."

The latest information on disruption to public transport and services, will be available on the County Council's website www.worcestershire.gov.uk
 

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Weather map for 9am tomorrow from the Met Office

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MY KIND OF WEATHER: Rebecca Katie's husky enjoys the snow. There are lots more fun-in-the-snow pictures on our Facebook page.

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Worcestershire County Council has apologised after its website crashed this morning as residents tried to find out how the snow had impacted on local services. 

The whole site was down intermittently from 6.45am for just over an hour. 

Councillor David Thain, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transformation and Change, said: "The website is one of the ways we get information out to residents and businesses, working alongside our social media and customer contact centres.

"Whilst we opened customer contact centres earlier this morning and were tweeting from first thing, our website unfortunately could not cope with the volume of visitors.

"We would like to apologise for the intermittent service of our website which came at the worst possible time. We would particularly like to apologise to parents, businesses and residents who rely on important information such as finding out if their school is open.

"We will be working over the weekend to do all we can to avoid the problems experienced this morning. We would urge people to follow our Twitter account (@worcscc) and tune into their local radio stations just in case we experience similar problems."

4:54pm

TAKING THE STRAIN: Faster, faster! We need to get home before your shopping defrosts. Picture by John Anyon, Worcester News

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NOT SUCH A HOT-ROD NOW: Charles Morgan's beautiful Morgan sports car under a layer of snow

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AT LEAST ONE OF YOU COULD SMILE! Iestyn Rose and his charming snowman

4:19pm

ST John Ambulance crews are busy helping community midwives in Worcestershire during the snow.

The charity has 4x4 vehicles ready and waiting to reach patients in rural or isolated areas and two of its vehicles are dedicated to helping NHS Worcestershire transport community midwives to urgent calls.

St John spokesman Glen Curry told us: “Some of the midwives may not have been able to get to patients in their normal vehicles so, by providing a 4x4 ambulance we are able to help them reach patients who may urgently need their help.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The contribution from St John Ambulance with their 4x4 capability is very valuable at a time like this. It will greatly help us get to people in need of help in hard-to-reach areas. We are very grateful for their assistance.”

4:19pm

Worcester Warriors will make a decision in the morning as to whether their Amlin Challenge Cup game against Gernika can go ahead.

The Spanish side are currently on their way to Sixways.

4:18pm

GHOSTLY CALM: Malvern Wells today

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STUNNING: Sally Robinson took this unusual shot of ice at Upton Snodsbury

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SCREECH! Drivers find it tough going in slippery conditions on Hylton Road, Worcester

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PRETTY AS A PICTURE: Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern. Picture by John Anyon, Worcester News

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We are hearing reports the 1449 train from Birmingham has recently left Malvern and is now making its way to Hereford.

3:52pm

IT'S nearly home time.

Here's our essential guide to getting back safely:

Traffic for Worcester

Train disruption

Road closures

Worcestershire bus services

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SNOW WOE: Trudging through the chill on Worcester Bridge. Picture: John Anyon, Worcester News

3:41pm

Dedicated Worcestershire County Council social care staff didn't let the wintry blast of snow stop them from providing their usual service for some of the county's most vulnerable residents.

With the support of the council's transport staff and the 4x4 response team, staff were still able to provide this essential care, which includes home-based care and care within the county's residential homes.

They also ensured this response could continue into the weekend and Monday morning, especially as more snow is forecast.

Day care services had to be cancelled as it was agreed that people were safer to stay at home, where possible.
 

3:39pm

Kays Theatre Group will be honouring tickets for tonight's performance during the performance on Monday, January 21 at 7.15pm.

Tonight's opening night performance has had to be cancelled after snow melting off the roof at The Swan Theatre caused a leak onto the stage electrics and the stage itself, rendering it unfit for tonight’s performance.

Further information will be available following an inspection at the theatre tomorrow morning with the theatre management.

Full details will posted on www.kaystheatregroup.co.uk.

3:37pm

It seems the weather and signal problems are combining to cause problems for rail services in both directions between Malvern and Hereford.

London Midland is saying services face disruption at short notice and an estimate for the resumption of normal services will be given once the situation has been fully assessed.

We're hearing reports that passengers trying to get to Hereford are currently stuck at Malvern.

If you're stuck trying to get home on the train let us know - #snowWN or email news@worcesternews.co.uk. 

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Viewing this on a mobile? Try using m.worcesternews.co.uk

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Stuart Mason from Pershore sent us this snowy scene of one of the town's bridges.

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The Felix Leiter Band are unable to make their gig at the Re-con in Church Street, Great Malvern, tonight due to the snow.

However, the venue will still be open - playing 'funky music', apparently.

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Lydia Downton texted us this picture of her cat Roxy playing in the snow. Text 80360 WN News

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Kay’s Theatre Group have been forced to postpone its opening night performance of Dick Whittington tonight because of a leak caused by melting snow from the roof of The Swan Theatre.

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Keeping dry, despite the snow.

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It's not all gloom. These youngsters thought today's snowfall was wonderful

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Worcester Hockey Club men’s firsts have postponed tomorrow’s match with North Stafford at the University of Worcester due to snow.

The rest of Worcester’s home fixtures tomorrow, whether at the university or Nunnery Wood, are also set to be called off.

All Pershore’s matches have been postponed, including the firsts’ home derby with Evesham in West Midlands Division Two.

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Worcester City Council has just announced that it will be closing its sports centres at St Johns and Nunnery Wood at 3pm due to the snow.

It hopes to re-open them as usual tomorrow but will be making a final decision in the morning depending on the conditions.

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A tanker has blocked London Road in Worcester after coming to a standstill on the hill. Worcestershire County Council said a gritter and a plough had been sent to try and assist the vehicle.

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Snow day at the pavilion in the park St. John's, Worcester. Not sure who this one's from. Please include your name when texting in pictures, folks. 80360 WN News.

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Pershore High School headteacher Clive Corbett has apologised for opening the school today and causing inconvenience to parents.

He also denied the school had been opened to protect attendance figures.

“Apologies to any parents who were inconvenienced by our attempt to keep the school open today and our ultimate failure to do so," he said. "Apologies also for any communication difficulties and shortcomings. I know it has been suggested by one person we did so in order to protect our attendance figures. I can confirm that is totally untrue since low attendance on a snowy day has the opposite effect.

"I would like to thank the bus companies and Pershore High School staff for getting students safely home. We will obviously do our best to open the school on Monday, January 21, but will communicate a decision as early as is possible.”

12:59pm

The A44 London Road is blocked due to obstruction on the road and snow at Spetchley Road.

There is reports of a number of abandoned vehicles in the carriageway.

12:53pm

Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester will be closing today at 2.15pm. Headteacher Neil Morris thanked all parents, students and staff for making the journey in the wintry weather and said they were closing a bit early to ensure the safety of those using the buses. He added: "We have had 750 of the 1,000 pupils attend today and have had lovely comments from parents who have been able to go to work because we opened." For a full list of school closures in Worcestershire visit worcestershire.gov.uk/emergencyalerts/

12:50pm

Macclesfield hopeful of tomorrow's game against Kidderminster Harriers going ahead.

The Silkmen have today asked for volunteers to clear the Moss Rose pitch covers of snow. They say the surface is perfectly playable underneath.

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The I Will Wedding show which was due to take place at The Wood Norton Hotel in Evesham on Sunday 20th January has been postponed due to the weather.

A new date will be announced shortly.

For the latest updates visit I Will's Facebook page here

12:27pm

A BUS skidded in today’s heavy snow and hit a car in Malvern this morning. The accident happened at around 9.17am on Pickersleigh Road in Malvern. The ambulance service and police were called to the crash but no one was injured. The scene was cleared by 9.38am and the highways agency ploughed the snow from the area.

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ALTHOUGH several trains have been delayed or cancelled this morning, most train services are running as scheduled, rail operators report.
Several London Midland services between Hereford and Birmingham this morning have been delayed or cut short, due to signalling problems between Hereford and Ledbury.
Two First Great Western services between Hereford and London Paddington have been cancelled due to a train fault.

12:24pm

Both Worcester City's match at Bishop's Stortford and Hereford United's home game against Dartford tomorrow are off.

12:23pm

Worcester Wolves have decided to call off tonight's British Basketball League match against London Lions.

The opposition are unable to get here and the safety of supporters travelling to the University of Worcester is also a concern.

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I have just taken a call from a very nice man in Fernhill Heath who phoned to congratulate our paper boys/girls for delivering his Berrows Journal. Makes it all worthwhile. Newsdesk.

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She's a snow angel....picture by WN Worcester Warriors and Worcestershire CCC writer @tomguestWN. 

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A WORCESTERSHIRE road has been blocked after a lorry jack knifed. The lorry is currently blocking the A4103 Worcester to Hereford Road near the Texaco garage at the crossroads with the A417.

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The bus pictured blocking a Malvern street at about 10.30am this morning was in Barnards Green Road.

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THE Canal and River Trust have advised people to take extra care on the towpaths in the snowy conditions. Nick Worthington, waterway manager for the trust, said: “Canals and rivers remain popular throughout the winter months when they provide a frosty escape for walkers, cyclists, anglers and joggers. It’s important people take care whilst enjoying the waterways this winter, wear appropriate footwear and stay away from the edge.”

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TODAY’S waste, recycling, commercial and garden collections have been cancelled in Wychavon due to the severe weather.

As driving conditions became dangerous this morning Wychavon District Council were forced to the collection services.

Crews have been switched to provide support with snow clearance and gritting in town centre car parks.

A spokesperson for the council apologised and said: “Given the forecast for the next few days, we are unable to catch up on bins not collected today.

“Therefore those residents and businesses affected today should put excess refuse or recycling in sacks next to your bin for the next collection in two weeks’ time.

“Excess trade waste will be collected next week from beside your bin.”

Residents should visit wychavon.gov.uk, follow them on twitter or like them on facebook for more information.

11:29am

First snowball fight of the day? Andy Taylor send in this snap of School Lane, Upton. Send pictures using Twitter @worcesternews, text 80360 WN News, or email photo@worcesternews.co.uk

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BIN COLLECTIONS: Worcester City Council has completed collections along the main roads in Warndon and Gorse Hill, but the bad weather has made it impossible for rubbish lorries to get down smaller streets. People are asked to leave their bins out and they will be emptied as soon as possible, although, weather depending, this may not be until Tuesday.

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All matches due to take place in the Worcester and District Football League this weekend have been postponed.

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We just heard from St Clement's CE Primary School in Henwick Road, Worcester, which is open today despite the snow.

Most staff have walked in and an impressive 130 of the school's 210 pupils have made it in.

Head Kate Brunt hailed a "really great effort" and said children are now enjoying an extended breaktime to make snowmen.

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Worcestershire hospital services are running as normal. Those who cannot make it to appointments because of the snow are advised to ring the number on their appointment letter or call the switchboard. Norvirus still in four wards at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

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• Click here for the latest traffic and travel news.

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A lorry is reported to be stuck on Newtown Road in Worcester.

10:00am

Had to abandon my car on Tolladine Road and walk in. It's best to call it a day when your car is still sliding with the handbrake and footbrake on. Cars were wheel-spinning and sliding on the steep parts of the hill but buses were getting through (reporter, James Connell).

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This driver battles through, but the roads were all but empty as the snow came down in Malvern Wells this morning. Picture by reporter Tarik Al Rasheed.

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The North Midlands RFU have postponed their Under 20s friendly match against Cheshire which was due to be played at Shrewsbury on Sunday because of forecast adverse weather conditions.

The match will now be played on Sunday, January 27, at a venue to be confirmed.

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The scene in Malvern Wells this morning. Photo by reporter Tarik Al Rasheed.

9:39am

Hereford United to hold Edgar Street pitch inspection at noon to decide if tomorrow's match against Dartford can go ahead. My money's on no. #wnsport

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Motorists are reporting Worcester's Tolladine Road is like an 'ice rink' and cars are struggling in both diretions.

Some cars are already being abandoned.

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For a full list of Worcestershire school closures as it updates visit worcestershire.gov.uk/emergencyalerts.

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The M5 is coping well this morning so far and London Road/Whittington Road is clear at the moment.

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UPDATE - SCHOOL CLOSURES:

Astwood Bank First School

Batchley First School

Birchensale Middle School

Blakedown CE Primary School

Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College

Bredon Hill Middle School

Broadway First School

Castlemorton CE Primary School

Chadsgrove School & Specialist Sports College - closed to pupils only

Church Lench CE First School

Clent Parochial Primary School

Clifton-upon-Teme Primary School

Comberton Primary School

Dyson Perrins CE Academy - open to students sitting exams

Eldersfield Lawn CE Primary School

Great Witley CE Primary School

Hagley Catholic High School - open to students sitting public exams

Hagley Primary School

Hanley Castle High School

Hindlip CE First School

Holyoakes Field First SchoolHolywell Primary & Nursery School

Lickey Hills Primary School

Lindridge St Lawrence's CE Primary School

Madresfield CE Primary School

Martley CE Primary School

Northleigh CE Primary School

Offmore Primary School

Oldbury Park Primary School

Ombersley Endowed First School

Pitcheroak School

Pitmaston Primary School

Rigby Hall School

Riversides School

St Augustine's Catholic High School - open to students sitting public exams

St Bede's Catholic Middle School

St George's CE First School, Redditch

St James' CE Primary School, West Malvern

St Kenelm's CE Primary School

St Luke's CE First School

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Evesham

St Stephen's CE First School

St Wulstan's Catholic Primary School

Swan Lane First School

Sytchampton Endowed First School

Tardebigge CE First School

The Beacon Short-Stay School

The Chantry School

The Kingfisher School

Vale of Evesham School - closed to pupils only

Walkwood CE Middle School

Waseley Hills High School

Wilden All Saints' CE Primary School

7:32am

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COUNCIL SERVICES:

Worcestershire Hub

The Worcestershire Hub Contact Centre was open from 6.30am (instead of 8am) today to support residents seeking information about possible service disruptions. It will open as usual on Saturday between 9am - 5pm.

7:22am

SCHOOL CLOSURES:

Astwood Bank First School
Batchley First School
Birchensale Middle School
Blakedown CE Primary School
Bredon Hill Middle School
Broadway First School
Chadsgrove School & Specialist Sports College - open for staff
Church Lench CE First School
Comberton Primary School
Dyson Perrins CE Academy
Eldersfield Lawn CE Primary School
Hagley Catholic High School - open to students sitting public exams
Hagley Primary School
Hanley Castle High School
Hindlip CE First School
Holyoakes Field First School
Holywell Primary & Nursery School
Lickey Hills Primary School
Madresfield CE Primary School
Northleigh CE Primary School
Offmore Primary School
Pitcheroak School
Rigby Hall School
Riversides School
St Augustine's Catholic High School - open to students sitting public exams
St James' CE Primary School, West Malvern
St Kenelm's CE Primary School
St Luke's CE First School
Tardebigge CE First School
The Beacon Short-Stay School
The Chantry School
The Kingfisher School
Vale of Evesham School - open for staff
Walkwood CE Middle School
Waseley Hills High School

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For the latest information on schools closures, along with any disruption to public transport and services, visit worcestershire.gov.uk. 

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Latest from the Met Office: Snow showers will move slowly westwards from the North Sea into eastern parts of Norfolk and Suffolk through this evening, giving local accumulations of 5 cm of fresh snow.

The public are advised of the continuing risk of some disruption to travel.

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Worcester Warriors expect Saturday's Amlin Challenge Cup match against Gernika to go ahead at Sixways after using a heated dome to beat the freeze.

Full story in tomorrow's Worcester News.

4:32pm

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MOTORISTS are being urged to drive with caution with heavy snow expected for Worcestershire tomorrow morning.

The County Council's gritting teams hit the roads at 2pm today in anticipation of snow set to fall in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Crews have already begun treating designated routes – all of which will be treated by 9.30pm this evening with twice the amount of salt being spread on roads as usual.

The MET Office is predicting snow will begin to fall in the county at around 3am although this will remain light until 6am  when heavier downfalls are expected.

These are forecast to continue through the morning rush hour period.

As much as 15cm could fall on higher ground with around 5-10cm expected for much of the county.

Temperatures will remain sub-zero through the night and into tomorrow morning.

Council Highways Inspectors will be monitoring conditions throughout the night and gritting vehicles fitted with ploughs will be sent out to clear roads during the early hours of the morning when the snow hits.

Motorists making journeys are being urged to drive with caution – even on treated roads – with conditions expected to be very difficult, especially tomorrow morning.

All 1,233 County Council grit bins in Worcestershire have been re-filled since the new year and people are encouraged to make use of them by using salt on the highways.

Residents can pinpoint their nearest bin using an interactive map at worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting.

Jon Fraser, County Council Highways Customer and Community Manager, said: "The gritting crews have been very busy over the last week clocking up the equivalent mileage of travelling from County Hall, Worcester, to Moscow around three times.

"We started treating routes at around 2pm today and this will continue across all of designated roads through the afternoon and evening.

"We're putting down twice as much salt than usual with forecasts predicting heavy snow for tomorrow morning.

"We'll be monitoring things through the night and our inspectors will give the go ahead for vehicles, fitted with ploughs, to go out and clear roads when they can during the early hours.

"Teams will then continue going out whilst we're in the grips of the extreme weather.

"We'll be doing all we can to help motorists, however it's important stress that the message to drivers is still the same but no less important, especially during more extreme bouts of winter weather.

"Grit has never been, and will never be a miracle cure. It's not safe to assume you can travel at normal speeds even if you think a road has been treated with salt. Please take care, slow down and drive according to the conditions."

To check the latest information on schools closures, along with any disruption to public transport and services, visit worcestershire.gov.uk or follow twitter.com/worcscc.

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Only one school closure announced so far by Worcestershire County Council: Hagley Catholic High School. Examinations there will, though, go ahead as per the timetable.

4:06pm

SCHOOLS: Hagley Catholic High School will be closed tomorrow due to the snow, but public examinations will go ahead as per the timetable. Worcestershire County Council advises parents to check its website for the latest information on school closures and to contact schools directly.

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Click here for today's earlier weather round-up.

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