Schools were closed and transport links were disabled as Dorset was battered by a a fierce snowstorm.

Storm Emma brought snow and strong easterly winds which caused widespread disruption – and problems are set to continue today with further snow forecast.

A light dusting early on Thursday morning left many wondering what all the fuss was about – but the snowstorm which began in the early afternoon whipped up into a frenzy with blizzard-like conditions later.

Authorities attempted to keep major routes open with snowploughs but they were battling a relentless snowstorm.

There were numerous reports of motorists abandoning vehicles on some routes while other roads were blocked by larger vehicles unable to climb hills.

By late afternoon there were reports of the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil being just passable and huge tailbacks on the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport due to traffic unable to get up hills.

Drivers faced a battle getting over the Ridgeway between Weymouth and Dorchester.

The Weymouth Relief Road was closed to allow snowploughs to clear the route but there were long queues.

Bus routes in the Weymouth area were suspended by mid-afternoon.

Police advised motorists to drive only if necessary due to ‘horrendous’ conditions.

In the evening, the force became aware of 100 vehicles stuck on the snow-bound A35 Puddletown Bypass.

The road was closed both ways between Bere Regis and the Stinsford roundabout at Dorchester.

Officers reassured those involved that the emergency services and other agencies were doing all they can to assist them.

Speaking last night, Chief Inspector Alan Setchell, of Dorset Police, said: “We want to get a message to all those involved to reassure them that we are fully aware of the situation and the emergency services and partner agencies are making every effort to assist everyone as quick as they can.

“I would make a special plea to anyone who has a particular urgent medical need or requires immediate assistance to contact us on 101 and give us your precise location so we can assist you as a priority.

“People are urged to stay in their vehicles and we will get to you as soon as possible.

“We have a number of major routes and other roads affected by the severe weather around the county and I would urge members of the public to avoid travelling if it is at all possible.”

The road reopened after a couple of hours.

It may have been the first day of the meteorological spring but it couldn’t have been further off as Dorset saw an afternoon of heavy snow fall - with more falling overnight.

The Met Office had issued an amber warning for wind and snow for Dorset, which remained in place until 8am today.

Most of the schools across Dorset were closed yesterday with the majority anticipated to be closed today. Updates can be found at dorsetecho.co.uk

Due to the severe weather, Dorset County Council cancelled all school bus services for yesterday and today.

A few schools were open yesterday including St Mary’s in Charminster, Bridport Primary School and The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester.

There were numerous collisions and road closures across the county.

Traffic was being turned around on the A35 eastbound after Bere Regis due to a lorry unable to climb the hill at Woodbury Cross.

There was also reports of collisions on at Marshwood on the B3165 and the A354 at Winterbourne Whitechurch.

A motorist in west Dorset abandoned their vehicle which was affecting traffic between Beaminster and Crewkerne.

Dorset had been largely unaffected by the severe weather until yesterday.

The weather has been caused by a band of moist air coming up from the south due to the Storm Emma.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said Dorset could “easily” see 10 to 20cm of snow.

However, he said freezing rain could be more of a problem and the signal it would occur was now “very strong”.

He said: “The warning we have in place is recognising we’ve got potential for sustained snow and freezing rain.”

“Freezing rain is potentially more serious.

“We’re expecting a widespread blanket of snow. Strong easterly winds could cause snow to drift, with places potentially cut off and without power.”

A yellow warning for ice has also been issued for much of the UK, including Dorset, for Saturday from just after midnight until 9am.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster says: “A combination of low temperatures and surfaces likely to be wet, from earlier rain and snow or a partial thaw of lying snow, will lead to icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces.”