LIVE: Dorset's snow and ice report: County hit by snow (From Thisisdorset)

6:51pm

6:31pm

Dorchester Town FC's match tomorrow at Weston-super-Mare is OFF after a 5pm pitch inspection today.

The Blue Square Bet South match has already been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 19.

The Magpies' attentions now turn to Tuesday night's encounter with Farnborough at the Avenue but that already rearranged game has to be in doubt as well.

Read more here

6:14pm

Temperatures are to stay just above freezing TONIGHT according to the Met Office although rain is expected after 9pm. Of course, if temperatures do plunge this could easily end up as snow....

But beware of the danger of ice particularly if temperatures do drop below freezing late tonight and in the early hours of tomorrow.

The Met Office says that temperatures will hover around freezing or 1 C or 2 C on SATURDAY although it will feel colder because of the wind chill factor. The Met Office is also warning of the danger of ice.

Temperatures are to plunge below zero on SUNDAY and the ice warning will stay in place for the morning.

Police are warning people to take care when driving and not to

travel unless necessary.

The Highways Agency says that the A35 is open. Most bus services are back on but expect some disruption.

Visit the Met Office website here to see the forecast.

And don't forget to email your snow pictures to newdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

4:35pm

READER PHOTO: Great photo of Maumbury Rings today - tweeted by The Drawing Office ‏@drawingofficeAT

4:27pm

According to the latest weather forecast we have 92% chance of more snow in Dorchester. Check the forecast here

4:20pm

READER PHOTO: Staff at the Poachers Inn proud of their creation

4:07pm

Snowdog and snowcat from Hubble and Hattie (@HubbleandHattie) in Poundbury.

3:35pm

Youngsters have been enjoying the snow in Bridport. Here's a video from Echo photographer John Gurd

3:33pm

3:30pm

READER PHOTO: Fab photo that really sums up Snowy Dorset by Dorset Coastal Cottages.

3:25pm

3:25pm

3:17pm

We think these parents deserve a round of applause too for transporting their children in such a fun way.

3:14pm

Echo reporter Miriam Phillips just went to the Great Field in Poundbury and discovered it's the place to be for a snowball fight or to show off your sledging skills

2:55pm

READER PHOTO: Thanks Yvonne Chapman for this fantastic photo of the Fleet - taken from Littlesea

2:50pm

READER PHOTO - three year old  meagan lister of Loaders with her snow men she help build with the help of daddy, mummy ,meagan, and her  baby brother joshua. Photo by Brian Lister

2:48pm

A MAN has been taken to hospital after the car he was driving collided with a tree in Wareham.

It happened on the King George V Road in Wareham near Clouds Hill Cottages.

The man, whose age is not known, was cut from his car by fire fighters and taken to Dorset County Hospital by paramedics where he is receiving treatment for a suspected broken leg.

The incident happened just before 1pm.

A tree was reported to be blocking the road, but this has been cleared by the local authority with the help of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, and the road is now open.

2:46pm

What a great scheme.Stuart Carless Landcrop production Manager from The Watercress Company, with his team has been clearing the roads around Owermoigne, tincleton, Briantspuddle and Affpuddle this morning.  It was part of a strategy established by the local parish councils to help ensure local traffic in rural areas was able to pass safely through the villages to and from work.

2:31pm

Ashley Smith from County Tyre Service in Weymouth with the snowman staff built.

2:00pm

A science family fun day due to be held at St Mary’s Middle School in Puddletown tomorrow has been called off due to the weather.

The Dorchester Area Schools Partnership event was scheduled to run from 10am to 1pm but organisers have decided to postpone it.

The next event will take place in March.

1:50pm

Here's a video taken by our photographer Finnbarr Webster of people having fun in the snow earlier at Sutton Poyntz

1:46pm

Traffic now flowing after A35 reopened in both directions between Dorchester and Bridport, a Dorset Police spokesman says.

1:29pm

Kristina and Rebecca Armos

1:20pm

Dorchester weatherman John Oliver said around 8cm of snow was recorded in the county town at 10am this morning.

He added that temperatures were around freezing overnight and rose to one degree Celsius during the day.

Mr Oliver said he believes Dorchester is unlikely to see much more snow today and it could start melting.

He said: “As far as we are concerned I think that’s about it.”

1:12pm

South West Trains is advising passengers that a revised train service is planned for tomorrow as a result of the continued forecast for heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. 

Services for today (18 January) are currently operating in line with the special timetable in place.  Plans have now been announced to continue the revised timetable into tomorrow  with some further changes on certain routes.

Jake Kelly, Customer Service Director for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “The snowy weather is causing disruption to road and rail transport in many parts of the country.  We have already seen snow fall on large parts of our network, however the special timetable we have in place is running well and means that trains have more time to cope with the poor weather conditions.  

“With forecasters predicting heavy snowfall throughout the rest of the day and freezing temperatures over the weekend, we’ve taken the sensible decision to continue running our revised timetable on Saturday 19 January.  The revised timetable helps us to ensure we can make the best use of our resources to deliver the most robust service for passengers.

“The timetable we can provide on Saturday 19 January will be slightly different to the service we’ve been able to offer today and services are expected to be busier than normal.  We’d therefore advise passengers to check the timetable before they travel and ensure they allow enough time to travel to and from the station.

“Our staff are working incredibly hard to keep as many trains running as possible as well as keeping depots and stations clear and safe, however we understand the impact this is having on our passengers and would like to thank them for their patience during these difficult conditions.”

Revised timetables are available online at www.southwesttrains.co.uk

1:11pm

Dorchester town clerk Dennis Holmes said town council staff have been out since 6am gritting and ploughing to make the car parks and pedestrian routes in the town centre as safe as possible.

Mr Holmes said joint work between local councils to draw up a winter maintenance plan had helped ensure authorities are more prepared to deal with the extreme weather than in recent years.

He said: “Hopefully the people of Dorchester will notice that the town can operate more successfully this year than it has done in previous snow events.”

12:58pm

Gritting trucks are currently out on Dorset’s roads.
They went out at 12 noon and will be back at 3pm, according to a Dorset County Council spokesman.
They will also be out overnight tonight.
The spokesman said: “We have a risk of everything freezing overnight as the temperatures are going to drop.”

12:50pm

Poachers Inn staff

12:49pm

12:46pm

Road on Abbotsbury Hill also now re-opened

12:45pm

A37 Long Ash Lane in Frampton re-opened in both directions at the Church Lane junction, because of an earlier broken down lorry.

12:45pm

A35 re-opened in both directions between Monkeys Jump Roundabout in Dorchester and Mitsubishi Roundabout in Bridport, because of an earlier jackknifed lorry.

12:44pm

Rosie Stocker-White

12:40pm

Beaminster Square by John Johnston

12:35pm

READER PHOTO: Dave the snowman by Jodi Brown ‏@JodiMBrown

12:29pm

Ponies at Sutton Poyntz. Pic Nick Maton

12:24pm

Harry Daley and Oliver Galloway sledging

12:17pm

12:16pm

Dorset County Hospital services are mostly operating as normal.

Chief Executive Jean O’Callaghan: “Many of our staff went to great lengths to ensure they got into work at the hospital today and their efforts are very much appreciated - we have been able to run the vast majority of our services as usual."

12:15pm

We've just spoken to the Dorset Fire and Rescue HQ and it seems that the service isn't too busy at the moment, with no snow related accidents being dealt with.

12:12pm

The military are assisting Dorset Police as they work to reach people in their cars in the worst-hit areas.

Farmers and Wessex Four by Four have also offered their help as conditions on the roads continue to be treacherous.

The military are helping around the parts of Dorset that are bearing the brunt of the weather, including Bridport, Dorchester, Swanage, Corfe Mullen, Blandford and Sherborne.

12:08pm

DORSET County Hospital has been able to run the vast majority of its services today despite the severe weather.

Chief executive Jean O’Callaghan said: “Many of our staff went to great lengths to ensure they got into work at the hospital today and their efforts are very much appreciated - we have been able to run the vast majority of our services as usual.”

12:07pm

Snow on the A37 near the junction for Evershot

12:04pm

A35 re-opened in both directions between the A35 King's Road junction in Honiton and the B3165 Scott's Lane junction in Charmouth, because of snow earlier and an earlier jackknifed lorry.

12:02pm

Bincombe Valley Primary School in Weymouth is open today despite earlier council reports that it was closed.

12:00pm

Blizzard conditions on the A35 - Vehicles stuck on Longbredy Hill

11:57am

Treacherous conditions on the A35. Photograph Graham Hunt

11:30am

Hazardous driving conditions on C12 between the Dorchester junction and the Sherborne junction, because of snow.

11:26am

All rubbish and recycling collections across Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset and Purbeck have been suspended today.

A further decision will be made on Monday 21 January with regards to missed collections.

11:24am

All household recycling centres are closed due to heavy snow. Looking ahead to the weekend, residents are advised to delay any visit until weather and road conditions improve. A further update will be provided when available.

11:24am

We have our first snowman from Puddletown. Please send us in pics of yours

11:22am

First Bus Service 1 all the way to Portland is now operating normally

11:18am

Fantastic reader photo of the snow in Fortuneswell today. Thanks for this Gemma Edwards

11:16am

First Bus Service 10/x10, Upwey is not being served, the 10 is following the X10 route. The buses are only going as far as the Top'o'Town, they are not able to get to the hospital.

10:56am

It's still snowing in Poundbury

10:52am

Another one of White Horse Hill

10:52am

The roads look much better in Weymouth compared to in and around Dorchester

10:46am

10:40am

The district council is endeavouring to clear car parks in West Dorset and make them as safe as possible.
Some roads going into car parks may be hazardous so we do advise motorists to use care and common sense when driving in these difficult conditions.
Car parks in Weymouth and Portland are generally clear and open but we do advise motorists to take extra care as not all the snow has melted.
Street cleaning, waste and recycling collection service
Waste and recycling collection rounds today have been suspended. People should hold on to their waste until their next scheduled collection date. 
Scheduled collections will resume on Monday, weather permitting.
The council would like to apologise for any inconvenience.
Please see www.dorsetforyou.com/400334 for advice and frequently asked questions about waste collections and winter weather.

10:29am

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s North Quay office and West Dorset District Council’s South Walks House office are open.
Both are running a near normal service, including dealing with essential services like  homelessness and benefits enquiries, with the limited number of staff available due to the poor weather.
Anyone with non-urgent business is asked to visit the council at a different time if possible.
Many council services, information and advice is available online at www.dorsetforyou.com

10:28am

This is a great photo of a very cold looking Sutton Poyntz this morning taken by an Echo reader

10:23am

The lorry that jack-knifed on the A35 at Winterbourne Abbas has been recovered.

The road is still closed between Bridport and Poundbury.

10:21am

More advice from Dorset Police, who are still urging people not to drive unless necessary.

Dorset Police and partners are working together to clear the affected roads as quickly as possible.

The A35 Dorchester to Bridport road is closed both ways due to the severe weather conditions.
The A35 Dorchester to Bere Regis has long delays due to the weather conditions.

Superintendent Dave Thorp said: “The roads in Dorset, especially west of the county, have been affected by the severe weather conditions.

“I urge anyone who is planning on travelling on the roads today to please reconsider and only travel if there is no other option.

”In particular, please do not take minor or country roads if it possible to avoid them.”

Monitor the traffic and weather conditions by using the Highways Agency website, Travel Dorset website, listening to DAB digital ‘Traffic Radio'.

You can also call the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30.
 

10:17am

10:15am

SAFETY ADVICE: The Borough Gardens in Dorchester is off limits due to 'unsafe surfaces'

10:10am

Are you covered in snow? Having a snow ball fight? Or does your back garden look simply beautiful this morning? SEnd us your photos at newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk or tweet @dorsetecho

10:09am

Here's some great phtos of Dorchester taken just now by Echo reporter Harry Hogger

10:02am

Lorries stuck on Long Bredy Hill on A35.

Repotrs that conditions are treacherous all along the A35 with heavy snow and strong winds

9:59am

9:59am

9:55am

Latest update from Dorset Police on road closures is that the A35 eastbound is now open up to the A354 junction where traffic is being diverted.

The A35 westbound is open.

Most roads in Swanage are impassable and Wareham Road in Corfe Mullen is blocked with a bus across the road.

The A354 at the Blandford bypass is still blocked due to a jack-knifed lorry.

Dorset Police advise that the situation is changing constantly, and that drivers should only venture out on the roads if necessary.

A spokeswoman for the service said: "The snow conditions are getting steadily worse and becoming treacherous."

9:40am

Latest update from First Bus:

Snow has affected many services in the Dorset area:
Bus Services have been suspended in the Bridport and Yeovil areas.
In the Weymouth area:
Services 31 (Weymouth,Dorchester,Bridport,Lyme Regis, Axminster) is suspended.
Service X53 / X53
(Poole,Weymouth,Bridport,Seaton,Exeter) is suspended
Service 1 (Wey to Portland) - operating Weymouth to Wyke Regis and Victoria Square. Cannot serve the Isle of Portland due to road conditions.
Service 2 (Wey to Littlemoor) - operating normal route to Littlemoor, but unable to serve Canberra or Louviers, using main road only.
Service 3 (Wey to Hereford Rd) Suspended
Service 4 (Wey to Preston) Main Road only from Weymouth to Chalbury Corner (unable to serve Seven Acres or Sutton Pontz)
Service 5/5A (Wey to Southill/Lanehouse) Suspended
Service 6 (Wey to Wyke Village) Suspended
Service 8 (Wey to Chickerell) - unable to service Chickerell village - OK on main road only section from Weymouth to Chickerell Army Camp
Service 10 / X10 (Wey to Dorchester)Suspended
Service 387 (Poole to Dorchester) Servioe suspended

9:38am

Wareham Road in Corfe Mullen closed between the B3074 Blandford Road junction and the Waterloo Road junction, because of snow.

9:38am

B3073 Wimborne Hill in Wimborne Minster closed northbound between the Park Lane junction and the Rowlands Hill junction, because of snow.

9:20am

9:19am

9:14am

A 5pm this morning (18) a lorry became jack-knifed in the A35 at Winterbourne Abbas at the junction with Winterbourne Steepleton.
The road has been closed between Bridport and Poundbury.
The lorry has been moved to the side of the road awaiting recovery.
Dorset police said that the road will remain closed until the Highways Agency can get a snow plough down there.
Currently there is no expected time of arrival for the snow plough.

9:13am

We've just done a big school closure update. There's so many closed now and Damory coaches aren't running at all. See the list here

9:04am

Ulwell Road in Swanage blocked in both directions between the Darkie Lane junction and the Shore Road junction, because of snow.

8:54am

The latest on the roads from Dorset Police is that the A35 eastbound around Puddletown looks like it may be shut for some time.

The A35 westbound is now open but traffic is moving slowly due to hazardous conditions.

The coast road A357 is closed around Abbotsbury Hill.

The A37 is partially blocked at Yeovil, but is passable, and the A354 is blocked near to the Blandford bypass.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: ""We would advise people to travel only if absolutely necessary, and if they must venture out, to check the latest news on the roads before they leave and to drive with caution."

8:54am

Mike Harries, Deputy Director Dorset County Council, says it is regrettable that Dorset for You website with all the school closures not working this morning "for reasons we don't fully understand at the moment." Technicians working on it.

8:49am

The A35 is closed in both directions

8:45am

Traffic at standstill on A37 at Warden Hill

Also repotrs of lorry stuck on A354 north of Puddletown bypass heading towards Blandford

8:37am

Reports of five-car crash on the A31 at Ringwood

8:36am

A35 still closed and hazardous driving conditions eastbound between Puddletown and Shell roundabout in Bere Regis, because of snow.

Drivers being urged to slow down and take care.

8:31am

8:27am

The latest weather forecast is showing heavy snow is going to last throughout the morning in Dorchester and around west Dorset.

It is expected to turn lighter in the afternoon, and turn to sleet from 6pm, with temperatures remaining cold at 1 degree Celsius or below.

Weymouth and Portland are likely to see less severe weather with heavy snow turning to sleet by midday.

Light rain is expected from about 3pm onwards.

8:27am

First Bus Update
Snow has affected many services in the Dorset area:
Bus Services have been suspended in the Bridport and Yeovil areas.
In the Weymouth area:
Services 31 (Weymouth,Dorchester,Bridport,Lyme Regis, Axminster) is suspended.
Service X53 / X53
(Poole,Weymouth,Bridport,Seaton,Exeter) is suspended
Service 1 (Wey to Portland) - operating Weymouth to Wyke Regis and Victoria Square. Cannot serve the Isle of Portland due to road conditions.
Service 2 (Wey to Littlemoor) - operating normal route to Littlemoor, but unable to serve Canberra or Louviers, using main road only.
Service 3 (Wey to Hereford Rd) Suspended
Service 4 (Wey to Preston) Main Road only from Weymouth to Chalbury Corner (unable to serve Seven Acres or Sutton Pontz)
Service 5/5A (Wey to Southill/Lanehouse) Suspended
Service 8 (Wey to Chickerell) - unable to service Chickerell village - OK on main road only section from Weymouth to Chickerell Army Camp
Service 10 / X10 (Wey to Dorchester)Suspended
Service 387 (Poole to Dorchester) Servioe suspended

8:15am

B3157 West Street in Abbotsbury closed in both directions between the Cleverlawns junction and the Clay Lane junction, because of snow.

8:13am

Abbotsbury Hill blocked in the Weymouth junction, because of snow.

8:12am

A35 closed and hazardous driving conditions eastbound between Puddletown and Shell roundabout in Bere Regis, because of snow.

8:02am

7:59am

A338 Dorset - Slow traffic on A338 in both directions between Ashley Heath Interchange in Ringwood and Cooper Dean Roundabout in Bournemouth.

7:58am

A31 partially blocked, hazardous driving conditions and very slow traffic at Ringwood, because of snow and an accident involving five vehicles. On the roundabout.

7:54am

WE've just updated the schools closure list here

7:48am

7:43am

South West Trains is advising passengers that a revised Weymouth to Waterloo service is planned for today as a result of the heavy snowfall

Revised timetables are available online at www.southwesttrains.co.uk

7:41am

Chief Inspector Nicky Searle of Dorset Police said they have put in place contingency plans to maximise the level of service that can be provided across the county.
She added: “Local authorities are invoking emergency planning arrangements and the emergency services are sharing resources and enlisting voluntary assistance to ensure vehicles and personnel stand the best chance of reaching those in need.
“We would encourage members of the public to stay safe by following our advice.”

 

SAFETY ADVICE
• Do not to drive in snow or icy conditions unless it is absolutely necessary.
• If motorists have to drive, ensure the vehicle is roadworthy for the conditions – check tyres, windscreen washers and wipers, lights, petrol and oil levels and that the heater works.
• Make sure that any snow or ice is cleared from the windscreen and other windows of the vehicle before driving and carry warm clothing, a blanket and a flask containing a hot drink in case your vehicle breaks down or you become stranded.

7:39am

A35 still  closed in both directions between Monkeys Jump Roundabout in Dorchester and Mitsubishi Roundabout in Bridport, because of snow and a jackknifed lorry.

7:38am

A354 Dorset - Slow traffic on A354 in both directions between the B3081 junction in Sixpenny Handley and the A350 junction in Blandford Forum.

7:37am

A35 Dorset - Drivers being urged to take care as the traffic is still almost at a standstill  on A35 in both directions between Affpuddle in Turners Puddle and Puddletown.

7:36am

A35 closed in both directions between the A35 King's Road junction in Honiton and the B3165 Scott's Lane junction in Charmouth, because of snow and a jackknifed lorry.

7:35am

7:32am

BUS DISRUPTION from First Buses

n the Weymouth area:
Services 31 (Weymouth,Dorchester,Bridport,Lyme Regis, Axminster) is suspended.
Service X53 / X53
(Poole,Weymouth,Bridport,Seaton,Exeter) is suspended
Service 1 (Wey to Portland) - operating Weymouth to Wyke Regis and Victoria Square. Cannot serve the Isle of Portland due to road conditions.
Service 2 (Wey to Littlemoor) - operating normal route to Littlemoor, but unable to serve Canberra or Louviers, using main road only.
Service 3 (Wey to Hereford Rd) Suspended
Service 4 (Wey to Preston) Main Road only from Weymouth to Chalbury Corner (unable to serve Seven Acres or Sutton Pontz)
Service 5/5A (Wey to Southill/Lanehouse) Suspended
Service 8 (Wey to Chickerell) - unable to service Chickerell village - OK on main road only section from Weymouth to Chickerell Army Camp
Service 10 / X10 (Wey to Dorchester)Suspended
Service 387 (Poole to Dorchester) Servioe suspended

7:31am

All the major schools - All Saints, Budmouth, The Thomas Hardye and Wey Valley are all CLOSED.

Here's the latest CLOSED schools list

7:29am

Souh West Coaches have suspended all services until further notice

7:22am

TRAVEL: A37 Dorset - A37 Long Ash Lane in Frampton blocked at the Church Lane junction, because of a broken down lorry.

7:22am

Here's the updated school closures list

7:19am

TRAVEL: A35 Dorset - Very slow traffic on A35 in both directions between Affpuddle in Turners Puddle and Puddletown.

7:10am

7:07am

The Thaomas Hardye School in Dorchester is confirmation as closed

7:02am

SCHOOL CLOSURES

We are running a separate school closures story here

These are the latest schools that have reported to be closed

CLOSED

All Saints CE School: CLOSED

Beaminster Technology College: CLOSED

Bovington Middle School: CLOSED

Brackenbury Campus, Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy: CLOSED

Budmouth Technology College: CLOSED

Dorchester Learning Centre: CLOSED

Grove Infant School: CLOSED

Kingston Maurward College: CLOSED

Lulworth & Winfrith CE VC First School: CLOSED

Manor Park CE VC First School: CLOSED

Portesham CE VA Primary School: CLOSED

Puddletown CE First School: CLOSED

Royal Manor Arts College: CLOSED

Southwell Primary School: CLOSED

St. Catherine's Catholic Primary School: CLOSED

St. George's Primary School, Portland: CLOSED

Sticklands CE Primary School: CLOSED

St. Mary's CE Middle School: CLOSED

St.Osmund's CE Middle School: CLOSED

Underhill Community Junior School: CLOSED

Weymouth College: CLOSED

Winterbourne Valley CE First School: CLOSED

Wyvern School: CLOSED

6:38am

6:38am

6:38am

6:38am

6:34am

TRAVEL: A35 Dorchester CLOSED both ways between A37 and A3066 Sea Road North

A35 Dorset - A35 closed in both directions between Monkeys Jump Roundabout in Dorchester and Mitsubishi Roundabout in Bridport, because of snow and a jackknifed lorry.

6:25am

The county council's closed schools list seems to be down at the moment, will uodate you when we get confirmation of the situation

http://mapping.dorsetforyou.com/closedservices/schools

6:22am

The view outside my front door this morning - From reporter Miriam

6:19am

6:16am

Dorset is waking to a heavy covering of snow with more predicted through the morning.

Motorists are being urged to take care on the roads.

No school closures in our area announced yet but we will keep you updated.