Disruption as Dorset is battered by Storm Emma

The county has been feeling the force of the Siberian blast, a cold spell nicknamed ‘the beast from the east’, but has so far avoided the weather chaos which has blighted much of the UK.

However snow is expected today and tomorrow with the Met Office issuing an amber ‘be prepared’ warning for snow and ice. The snow is likely to be accompanied by strong easterly winds, and delays and cancellations to public transport are expected.

Motorists are being urged to be prepared as roads will be treacherous.

A number of schools have announced they will be closing.

Dorset County Council has taken the decision to cancel all school transport arranged by Dorset Travel for today and tomorrow.

Gritters were out in full force overnight and snow ploughs were on standby.

Despite this, the Met Office has warned that some roads may become blocked by deep snow today with the potential for vehicles to become stranded.

A Met Office spokesman warned that some rural communities could become cut off, while residents can expect disruption to power supplies and mobile phone coverage.

A red warning for wind and snow has been issued across the South West between 3pm today and 2am tomorrow - but Dorset remains on 'amber alert'.

The Met Office warning reads: "A spell of heavy snow and blizzard conditions is expected. The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting. Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area.

"Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely. Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers.

"Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice."

Snow is expected to develop through this afternoon and evening, leading to snow drifts building up. Around 10-20 cm is likely to fall quite widely.

As less cold air follows from the south, there is a chance of snow turning to freezing rain in places, with widespread icy stretched forming making driving conditions dangerous.

Secondary schools closed today include Budmouth College, Wey Valley School, Atlantic Academy Portland and Beaminster School. Weymouth College and Kingston Maurward College will also be shut.

For a full list of closures see dorsetecho.co.uk

Meanwhile, residents in Swanage are on flood alert with flooding expected in the town at high tide today due to strong winds.

As a precautionary measure, temporary flood defences are being deployed at The Square and by the Stone Quay in Swanage.

A flood warning is in place until Saturday.

Elsewhere, some school bus services in west Dorset were disrupted yesterday due to icy roads.

First said the A1 school service was cancelled because of patches of ice on hilly roads. The company also announced the school C2 service would not be serving Askerswell due to severe icy road conditions.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued health warnings amid the cold weather, and doctors have been urging residents to ‘think ahead.’

Dr Thomas Waite of PHE’s Extreme Events Team said: “With more cold and for some snow on the way, now is the time to think ahead.

“Consider what you need to stock up on, do you need food or essential

supplies such as medicines?

“It may be harder for some people to get out when more snow arrives, so if you know someone at risk, someone with heart or lung conditions, young children or someone who is over 65, please take the time to check and see if there’s anything they need.”

Dorset County Council is asking residents to keep an eye out for vulnerable people.

A spokesman said: “If you have elderly neighbours who might find these wintry conditions challenging, why not call round to see if they are ok and warm enough?”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning of the

increased risk of fire as people spend more time indoors and stay warm.

Area Manager Craig Baker said: “We are here to help and offer advice. If you are in doubt over any fire safety issues, please do get in touch, and always remember to test your smoke detector every week, as working smoke detectors save lives.”