DORSET took another battering from a snowstorm – the second time in a fortnight – in an unseasonal wintry blast which caused travel chaos.

Cars were again abandoned on some routes and there were reports of vehicles skidding off roads as the county took a pounding. There were no reports of any serious injuries.

While there were a couple of centimetres of snow on the coast there was deeper drifts inland as the ‘Mini Beast from the East’ swept in.

Flurries in the daytime on Saturday were followed by more persistent snow at night and in the early hours of Sunday. Then as morning hit there was more heavy snow with conditions worsening on the roads.

Bus services were disrupted in parts of Weymouth and Portland yesterday – although a full service resumed in the afternoon – Bournemouth Airport was closed for the morning while both Waterloo-bound trains and Bristol services were disrupted from Weymouth.

The county council’s gritting army and snowplough teams worked through the night to try and keep roads open and traffic flowing – although motorists due to head out yesterday morning were warned to only make ‘essential’ journeys.

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CLEARANCE: Snowplough at work in rural Dorset Picture: Tria Stebbing

There were particular routes in rural areas and on higher ground which were said to be impassable because of ‘blizzard-like’ conditions and vehicles being stranded.

A yellow ‘be aware’ warning for snow was in place for Dorset throughout yesterday and this was upgraded to an amber ‘be prepared’ warning for some parts of the county.

There was also a risk of strong winds and very high waves, especially on eastern facing beaches.

More snow was expected last night and into today and it is warned there is a potential for snow and ice to remain on the ground into tomorrow.

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VIEW: Chesil Cove, Portland  Picture: Izzy Imset

Although hazardous on the roads, the snow was welcomed by families who grabbed sledges and headed to the nearest hill.

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FUN: Sledging at Maumbury Rings, Dorchester  Picture: Trevor Bevins

Some businesses had to close due to the weekend’s weather and football fixtures had to be called off including Dorchester’s away game and the Bridport match.

The biggest local sporting casualty of the weekend however was Sunday’s Weymouth Half Marathon with several hundred runners due to take part.

Following discussions and with a firm eye of the forecast, organisers made the ‘difficult decision’ to cancel due to predicted hazardous conditions.

Organisers Just Racing said in a statement on Saturday: “Despite our earlier optimism and commitment to delivering this year’s event, and after continued monitoring of the local weather conditions, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2018 Weymouth Half Marathon until 10th June 2018.

“It is generally considered that the risk to the travelling public and the impact the event could potentially have on the emergency services may put lives in danger.”

The statement added: “Whilst we wanted to put on a great event, we absolutely do not want to compromise the safety of participants and spectators nor the wider community.”

Dorset County Hospital advised staff who had difficulties travelling to or from work, or who required accommodation, to contact its incident centre. It said 4x4 transport could be arranged for staff subject to availability.

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BLEAK: Snow on Weymouth seafront, Greenhill  Picture: Connor Cash