A second day of disruption due to Storm Emma brought a major ice hazard with roads and pavements turning into skating rinks – leaving communities cut off and many people unable to travel.

Following blizzard-like conditions from a fierce snowstorm on Thursday, routes turned to glass as freezing rain created sheet ice making conditions 'treacherous' yesterday (2).

Police and authorities had worked through the night to assist motorists who were stuck and reiterated messages yesterday for motorists to drive only if journeys were essential.

A major operation saw emergency services go to the rescue of about 100 vehicles stuck on the snow-bound A35 Puddletown Bypass on Thursday evening.

Dorset Police issued a message to say they were aware of drivers' predicament and urged people to sit tight while they went to assist.

The road was closed both ways between Bere Regis and the Stinsford roundabout at Dorchester for a couple of hours with rescuers working with snowploughs to free cars.

Drivers had reported an “avalanche” of snow blocking the road.

Meanwhile, a major incident was declared and the Army drafted-in to help after hundreds became stranded in their cars in freezing conditions on the A31 in the New Forest in Hampshire.

Hundreds of vehicles were also abandoned across Poole and Bournemouth as motorists who had struggled along for hours were forced to continue their journeys home on foot.

Council gritting continued on priority and community routes yesterday and teams were praised for working through the night to keep Dorset moving.

Yesterday morning, officers were seen looking in cars to check on the welfare of people who may have slept in their vehicles.

Bus services in Weymouth and west Dorset which had been suspended since Thursday afternoon continued to be out of action while there were no trains between Weymouth and Southampton. Trains were also being cancelled on the Bristol line.

Bournemouth Airport was closed with flights cancelled.

Staff who live close to Dorset County Hospital who were off work were called on for help yesterday as bosses described the site as being under "extreme pressure".

Many staff were unable to travel to work because of the snow and ice so available employees were asked to go in and do a shift.

Meanwhile, DCH had to postpone many routine appointments due to staffing issues and patients being unable to travel safely to the hospital.

A spokesman said: "We are contacting all patients affected but if you are unsure whether to attend for a scheduled appointment, and you can safely travel to the hospital, please call the number on your appointment letter before heading out.

"We are really sorry for the inconvenience caused but we are sure people appreciate that we must focus on keeping our patients and staff safe in this severe weather."

An appeal was issued for 4x4 transport to help transport Marie Curie nurses so they can visit terminally ill patients in Dorset. If anyone can help email Karen.Burfitt@mariecurie.org.uk

Meanwhile, hundreds of homes and businesses around parts of Weymouth and west Dorset were plunged into darkness due to a powercut.

Speaking yesterday, a spokeswoman for SSEN said: "We experienced extreme weather overnight and expect it to continue throughout the day.

"We will be sending engineers to the affected areas where we can."

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused."

Schools remain closed, many businesses were shut and council services disrupted.

Events including sporting fixtures have been cancelled. Local football matches over the weekend are off as is the Kingston Maurward lambing weekend, an early spring event popular with families.

Dorset County Museum remained open however with families still able to go and see Dippy.

* An amber 'be prepared' warning for ice is in place until 11am today.

Further outbreaks of snow and sleet were expected. Following the freezing weather, temperatures are expected to increase today.