Snow in Somerset: use #somersetsnow (From Yeovil Express)

1:24pm

THE MET Office has issued a yellow ice warning for the South West on Monday, January 21.

Taunton is predicted to have light snow showers at around midday on Monday, and another flurry from 3am on Tuesday, January 22. There will be a break in the afternoon on Tuesday, before the snow makes a comeback in the evening. Temperatures are predicted to come down to -1C (30F).

The Met Office also anticipates Bridgwater will see some light snow on Monday around midday, with this clearing by around 3pm. It will be back by around 3am on Tuesday, with a break in the afternoon and then back in the evening.

The yellow ice warning will remain in place for Burnham, but no snow is predicted for the area on Monday, January 21. However, Tuesday will see light snow in the area throughout the day from around 3am.

1:25pm

At least some of Somerset's wildlife is not letting the snow stop them from going for a stroll!

8:18am

MOTORISTS across Somerset are being urged to take extra care this weekend as the Met Office warns of ice.

A yellow warning is still in place for the South West but Somerset County Council's Highways team have been gritting roads since the early hours.

There's lots of slush, snow and ice about so be careful.

9:21pm

SOMERSET gritters are gearing up for more work tonight to clear roads of snow and ice (January 18).

Over the past 24 hours around 625 tonnes of grit has been used by Somerset Highways, and police warned drivers should not travel.

A yellow warning of snow in the South West is still in place by the Met Office.

A spokesman said: "Although further slight snow showers are likely, with 1 or 2cm of fresh snow in a few places, the focus switches to ice.

"Sub-zero temperatures will persist over existing snow cover for many areas and will spread back into parts of the South West towards daybreak on Saturday (January 19)."

Throughout the day the A39 in Exmoor was said to have been a problem area, but the highways team re-opened the road by early afternoon after clearing snow.

First Bus suspended services in Bath and Wells, while Taunton's Hatch Green Coaches said it had withdrawn all of its services.

Berry's Coaches cancelled all schools and college services but the London Express is still running.

5:37pm

4:50pm

FIRST Bus services in Bridgwater numbers 1, 2, 3 and 21 are now running as normal.

In Taunton, numbers 1/1A, 3/3A, 4, 21, 22/22A, 28, 29, 30/30A, 54 and 92 are running as normal.

4:45pm

This panoramic video, showing the skyline of a snowy Taunton, was shot from the top of Viridor's headquarters.

4:18pm

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3:28pm

THE county council has issued a snow update.

Schools:

More than 200 schools across Somerset are closed. 

A council spokesman said: “Head teachers and governing bodies are responsible for the day-to-day management of their schools.

“Each head teacher is best placed to determine whether their school can operate with the staff that have been able make the journey in and the condition of the school site.

"Head teachers are fully aware of the need to try and open their schools as they understand how frustrating it is for parents to find child care at short notice, however they need to ensure that they have enough staff to care for those children who are in school safely.”

Highways:

Somerset Highways have reported a 4inch covering of snow over most of the county with it much heavier in the west with drifts up to 6ft deep in places.

The entire fleet of 23 gritters have been working throughout the night and into today to ensure that roads around the county are treated and passable, wherever possible.

Most major roads are open but A39 in Exmoor has been particularly problematic with steep hills such as Porlock Hill proving to be extremely treacherous and had to be closed.

Highways staff have been working to re-open the road throughout the morning and into the early afternoon and it is due to re-open at around 2.15pm.

Transport:

Both park and rides in Taunton are open and running normally.

Taunton and Yeovil have good bus services but there's little service in Bridgwater.

2:44pm

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2:31pm

THE SNOW may have stuck, but that didn’t stop people shopping in Bridgwater today (January 18).

2:22pm

2:18pm

YEOVIL Town Football Club's home League One match against Preston tomorrow has been postponed for safety reasons.

1:58pm

TAUNTON Tornados Basketball Club has cancelled all training sessions at Somerset College tonight.

1:15pm

VOLUNTEERS from age charity WRVS have been battling through treacherous conditions to help the county's elderly residents.

They have been making sure older people receive their meals on wheels, can get to hospital appointments and stock up on supplies.

David McCullough, chief executive of WRVS, said: “We’re so proud of our volunteers, who are working really hard to make sure older people in their community have everything they need."

1:07pm

Children playing in the snow at St Mary's Primary School in Bridgwater, one of the few in the area which is open today.

12:57pm

Woolavington is another of the primary schools in Somerset which has managed to open today.

12:57pm

12:47pm

THESE three certainly had fun in the snow at Beech Grove School, Wellington.

Dawn Harrison is pictured with Caitlin and Elinor Matthews.

To view more pictures, see our gallery here.

11:49am

SNOW-bound cancer patients are being given a helping hand to hospital by two emergency response charities.

The British Red Cross and Wessex 4x4 Response are transporting patients from across Somerset to hospital in Taunton and Bristol due to the heavy snowfall which swept across the county.

Tracey Miller, Red Cross care in the home team leader in Somerset, said: “Our volunteers can take anywhere between 25-40 people a day, providing transport in their own cars.

"Today we have 33 people scheduled and some are classed category one, which means missing even one day of treatment could be life-threatening.”

11:28am

BELOW is 17-month-old Chloe Tilley enjoying her first taste of snow.

Click here to view our photo gallery.

11:11am

WE'VE found a couple of primary schools in the Bridgwater area that are open today - St Joseph's and St Mary's. 

Let us know if your school or workplace is open against the odds.

11:10am

TAUNTON Titans' match with Henley Hawks tomorrow (January 19) has been postponed.

11:00am

10:37am

10:34am

THIS was Spaxton High Street, near Bridgwater, an hour ago.

Lauren Cornish sent us this photo. She said: "The snow is still falling."

10:17am

STATEMENT from Stagecoach South-West:

"Further information on service 20 in Somerset: The service can operate between Seaton and Honiton. To serve Taunton it is operating to Cullompton then via Wellington and is currently unable to serve Dunkeswell, Culmstock and Hemyock.

"99 service: can now only operate Chard to Taunton and is not able to serve Yeovil."

10:15am

THIS is the live departure board at Taunton train station - there's a lot of delays.

There are delays of 15 minutes between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads because of problems with lineside equipment between the stations.

10:08am

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9:35am

Traffic camera view of M5 J25

9:31am

TO view our gallery of reader pictures, click here.

(Cricket St Thomas by Mark Cotton)

9:30am

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9:29am

TAUNTON and Bridgwater Mobile Libraries will not run today.

9:27am

COURT Fields School in Wellington is closed.

Other school closures are listed here.

9:26am

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9:16am

STREET and Wiveliscombe Libraries are closed due to the snow today.

9:15am

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9:14am

OUR reporter Matthew Colledge has just driven to Bridgwater from Bristol down the M5.

He said: "The traffic getting out of Bristol was extremely slow but the M5 was moving OK, although Lane 3 was not being used as it was heavily snow-bound.

"Traffic at the Bridgwater end was not too bad becuase there were not many cars on the roads."

9:05am

ALL Webber Buses have been cancelled this morning.

9:01am

Footage loaded to You Tube of snow falling in Highbridge

9:01am

8:53am

NO planes are taking off or landing at Bristol Airport this morning because of heavy snowfall at the site.

8:52am

FIRST Bus has suspended all its services in Bridgwater and the vast majority of services in the Taunton area.

Passengers are advised to check with the company before travelling.

8:43am

TAUNTON Racecourse has announced that tomorrow (Saturday's) race meeting is OFF due to the adverse weather conditions

8:42am

8:41am

8:40am

8:40am

POLICE are advising motorists only to make essential journeys this morning.

A statement released by Avon and Somerset Police reads:

"As snow continues to fall across Avon and Somerset this morning (Friday January 18) we're advising motorist, in particular heavy goods vehicles, to avoid making journeys unless they are absolutely necessary.

"Around 10-15cm of snow is expected to have fallen by the end of today, making highways dangerous for driving. While there have been no major incidents on the roads in Avon and Somerset we are advising to stay indoors.

"If you do have to drive, we suggest you slow down and brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible to avoid skidding.

"Make sure your windscreen is clear and your lights clean and working properly. Check your tyre pressure and your radiator antifreeze levels. It's probably a good idea to carry de-icer, food, a hot flask, a blanket and a shovel as well. Think ahead.

"Plan your route, leave extra time for your journey and, if you're in doubt - then don't set out."

8:24am

8:18am

FOR a recap of school closures today (January 18) click here.

8:16am

AVALON School, Street: "Due to snow and to ensure the safety of pupils and staff, Avalon School in Street will be closed today, Friday January 18."

8:12am

ALL Saints CofE First School, Dulverton, is closed due to snow (January 18)

8:10am

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8:07am

8:04am

PORLOCK Hill and the A361 between Shepton Mallet and Frome are blocked. Motorway conditions are hazardous, but slowly moving. Only one lane is open in many places. Drive slow, clean snow off the car and lights before setting out.

8:02am

MEANWHILE Berry's Coaches has cancelled all schools and college services but says its London Express service is still running.

8:02am

TAUNTON'S Hatch Green Coaches has said it has withdrawn all services and First Bus has suspended buses in Wells.

7:34am

ASHILL Community Primary School has just announced it is closed due to treacherous approach roads and the inability of staff to get in to school

7:28am

WHITSTONE School, Shepton Mallet closed due to snow and Wincanton Primary school.

7:28am

WESTFIELD Academy closed BUT The GCSE History exam will run with a skeleton staff. Candidate should make all reasonable efforts to attend.

7:27am

THE Kings of Wessex Academy Partial Closure due to Poor Weather conditions - EXCEPT those students sitting public examinations; Trinity First School Frome; Upton Noble CofE Primary School; Wadham School Closure; Walton CEVC Primary School; west chinnock primary; West Monkton Primary School; West Pennard C of E VC Primary School;

7:26am

CLOSED due to snow: Oakhill School; Pen Mill Academy, Yeovil; Priddy Primary School; Puriton Primary School, Puriton, Bridgwater; St Cuthbert Infant School, Wells; Evercreech C of E Primary School; Selwood Academy; Selworthy Special School, Taunton; St Joseph and St Teresa's Catholic Primary School in Wells; Sexey's School, Bruton; Shepton Beauchamp CE VC Primary School; Sky College, Taunton; St Benedict's Catholic Primary, Midsomer Norton; St cuthbert's Infant, Junior school and playgroup, Wells; St Dunstan's School, Glastonbury; St Joseph and St Teresa's Catholic Primary School Wells; St Lawrence's School, Westbury-sub-Mendip; St Lawrence's School, Westbury-sub-mendip; St Michael's Academy, Yeovil; St Vigor and St John Primary, Chilcompton; St Vigor and St John Primary, Chilcompton and The Mill nursery; St. Mary and St. Peter's CE VC Primary Barrington and Ilton Base; Stoberry Park School.

7:20am

CLOSED due to snow: Kilmersdon CofE Primary School; Kingsmoor Primary School Bawdrip; Lovington C of E Primary; Merriott First School; North Cadbury Primary School; North Newton Community Primary School; Nunney First School, Nunney near Frome.

7:19am

CLOSED due to snow: Fairmead School, Yeovil; Preston School; Stanchester Academy; Hamp Junior School, Bridgwater; Hamp Nursery and Infants School and Hamp Childrens Centre Nursery; Hayesdown First School, Frome; Holyrood Academy; Hugh Sexey Middle School, Blackford.

7:15am

CLOSED: Closure of Horrington Primary School;Countess Gytha Primary School;Elmhurst Junior School;Fairlands Middle school

7:14am

MORE school closures due to snow: Castle Cary Community Primary School;Charlton Horethorne VA Primary School;Chewton Mendip VA Primary School;Churchstanton Primary School;

7:12am

OTHER closed schools today (January18): Blue School, Wells;Brookside Nursery, Street;Brookside Primary School, Street;Butleigh C of E Primary School;

7:08am

BALTONSBOROUGH CE VC Primary school closed.

7:08am

AVISHAYES Primary School says:"To ensure the safety of pupils, parents and staff, Avishayes Primary School & Early Years Centre in Chard, will be closed on Friday 18th January."

7:07am

ASHCOTT Primary School is closed

7:07am

ANSFORD Academy is closed due to snow. 

7:06am

ALL Saints CofE Primary School, Montacute is closed due to the snow.

7:05am

OAKFIELD Academy Frome is closed today 18th January due to the snow and forecast of continuing snow.

7:01am

A358 between Thornfalcon and Ilminster reported to be dangerous.

6:56am

8:54pm

REMEMBER to share photos of snow scenes in your area tomorrow (January 18). Please let us know where they were taken and we'll spread the word!

8:49pm

THE Met Office has issued an amber warning and is predicting up to three inches (7.6cm) of snow could fall across the region during tomorrow (January 18).

The public should be prepared for disruption and may have to alter travel plans.

Gritters from Somerset County Council have been out salting the roads. Follow @Somersetgritter for updates.

5:42pm

3:19pm

NORTH Curry Primary School headteacher Sarah Loader said they will make a decision on whether the school is open at around 6-7am tomorrow.

1:20pm

READERS on our specially-created Taunton Snow Facebook page are reporting a few flakes falling in Wellington and Minehead.

1:18pm

1:18pm

SOUTH-WEST Trains has announced services will be running to a special timetable tomorrow because of the forecast snow.

Services affected include trains between London and Exeter as well as services between London and Yeovil.

12:45pm

PARENTS of children at King's Hall have been urged to consider letting their children board there tonight ahead of the snow warning.

In a message to parents, principal Richard Biggs wrote:

"Dear Parents

The forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning suggests a strong likelihood of snow, with the bulk falling at rush hour in the morning. For some of you that might make it difficult to get your children to school.

May I suggest that if your son or daughter is sitting public exams tomorrow, and if you face a potentially difficulty journey to school tomorrow morning, you consider boarding them here tonight? The boards will not allow an exam to be taken at any other time in this particular season and if your son or daughter misses an exam they will have to wait until the summer to have another go at it. Please note that in every case there will be another chance in the summer, so if your son or daughter does miss an exam tomorrow all is not lost. But...perhaps caution is the best policy and spending the night here may be a good idea.

On the other hand, if your son or daughter is not taking a public exam tomorrow please do not take risks in bringing them to school. Also, it would help if day pupils who were not taking public exams tomorrow did not board tonight so that space can be found for those who do need to board; your support in this regard would be much appreciated."

12:22pm

THE Somerset Rebels speedway side have called off tomorrow night’s re-arranged Christmas Cracker meeting at The Oak Tree Arena, Highbridge, because of the forecast of heavy snow.

The event, originally due to have been held after Christmas, was postponed because of heavy rain.

“The weather forecast is predicting that we will encounter heavy snowfalls on Friday,” said Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock.

"With that in mind we felt that it was best for all concerned, especially the riders and the fans, if we made the early decision to call off the meeting as it will save people any unnecessary travel arrangements.

“It does seem like the weather is conspiring against us as far as the meeting is concerned.”

Organisers are pledging to give the event another go on February 8.

10:06am

WE'VE also got Facebook pages for the Bridgwater Mercury, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News, and Chard and Ilminster News.

And on twitter, follow @bhweeklynews, @bwmercury and @chardandilynews

10:04am

DON'T forget you can also keep up to date with the latest snow news, and send us your pictures, via the County Gazette's Facebook page. We've also launched a dedicated snow page  - called Taunton Snow. 

You can also follow us on twitter @countygazette

3:35pm

TEMPERATURES have struggled to reach above freezing today but the worst is yet to come in terms of snow, according to a weather expert based in Bishops Lydeard.

Mike Rigby, head of climate consultancy Original Carbon said he is '99%' sure we will receive snow on Friday.

He added: "There could be wide variations but I am pretty sure we will see snow and the winds could gust up to 40mph so if it settles, drifting is likely."

12:12pm

THE Met Office has heightened its snow weather warning to an amber level for parts of North-West Somerset.

A spokesman said: "Winds will strengthen and blizzard conditions are likely, especially over high ground.

"Accumulations of more than 10-15 cm of snow could well occur quite widely, with the risk of 25 cm or more over high ground.

"In the areas covered by a yellow weather warning for snow, accumulations of 2-5cm are expected.

"Clearly there is the potential for some severe disruption, and the public are advised to watch for updates to this warning and to be prepared to alter travel plans."

12:03pm

ROGER Marley, who runs RM Tools in Bridge Street, Taunton, is anticipating selling a few of these if forecaster's predictions are right as our region braces itself for blizzards on Friday.

Don't forget, if and when it does snow, you can send your pictures in to us by emailing newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or by posting them on our Facebook and Twitter pages (@CountyGazette, @BWMercury and @BHWeeklyNews).

8:13am

NO snow expected today but weather chiefs have said they are very confident of significant snowfall on Friday morning through to Friday evening.

W COUNTRY Confidence now increasing re disruptive snow Friday. Potential for 12hrs snow across @bbcpointswest region frm Fri AM to Fri night

— @fergieweather 16 January 2013

3:21pm

BISHOPS Lydeard weather expert Mike Rigby (above) has also said there will be 'significant' snowfall in the Taunton area on Friday.

He added: "A mass of cold air has been pushing in from the east and bumping against warmer, moister air from the west.

"Precipitation at this interface has been falling as snow in Northern and Eastern parts of England. 

"further front has been hanging around out to the West of the British Isles and by the end of this week will make a greater effort to move east. 

"At the same time the cold air from the east will also move towards us bringing a good chance of significant snowfall when the two meet over Somerset."

3:18pm

THE Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow across much of the South-West on Friday (January 18).

A spokesman said: "As the weather breaks down, there is the potential for a spell of snow to spread from the southwest.

"As winds strengthen, blizzard conditions are a possibility, especially over high ground.

"Accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible quite widely and in some locations, especially higher ground, 15 cm are possible.

"The public should be aware of the possibility of travel disruption. This warning is likely to be updated over the next few days."

8:23am

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1:06pm

PRETTY quiet on the Somerset snow front so far...

Use #somersetsnow to Tweet your updates and we'll bring them into the page on a feed.

1:04pm

1:03pm

HERE'S a news feed on the snow scene nationally:

12:01pm

A tweet from the county council's gritter service account yesterday (January 13).

11:15am

SNOW reportedly fell in several areas last night (January 13).

People reported flakes falling in Wiveliscombe, Milverton, Churchinford, Staple Fitzpaine, Middlezoy and areas on the Blackdown Hills.

Send your reader pictures to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or tweet them to @CountyGazette, @BWMercury and @BHWeeklyNews. 

11:10am

THE Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow for the South-West.

People are being warned to be aware during Monday as dropping temperatures threaten to cause hazardous driving conditions.