Somerset snow updates: Thursday (From Yeovil Express)

3:07pm

THANKS for reading this live snow blog over the last few days and contributing your excellent photographs.

With the snow thawing, we are now ending the blog. Any further school closures on Friday (Jan 25) will be posted in a separate news story.

12:18pm

A READER sent in this handsome snowman with his pet snow dog pictured outside a home in Stockmoor, Bridgwater.

11:45am

10:41am

VOLUNTEERS and staff helping keep Somerset on the move have been thanked for their efforts in the snow.

Deputy leader of Somerset County Council David Hall said: “It has been a difficult time for everyone, but it has seen excellent efforts by our staff and contractors, partner agencies, volunteers and the public in keeping Somerset moving."

8:21am

TRAVEL update: 

The A396 in Timberscombe is closed in both directions at the Great House Street junction, because of snow and a fallen tree.

8:18am

THE following schools will open later than usual: 

Crowcombe Primary School - open from 9.30am. 

Milverton Primary School - open from 11am. 

Stogumber Primary School - open from 9.30am. 

7:41am

FURTHER school updates: 

• All Saints First Dulverton - closed. 
• Buckland St Mary, Chard - closed. 
• Exford First - closed. 
• Neroche Primary School will re-open at 1030am today to ensure safety when travelling to the site. 

7:37am

7:35am

FIRST Bus: 

"Taunton/Bridgwater: Service 14 currently being assessed but all other services operating normal routes."

7:26am

THE Met Office is advising people to take extra care on the roads today.

"As temperatures fell on Wednesday night, icy stretches will form on many untreated surfaces, especially where new snow fell on Wednesday or lying snow refreezes."

7:18am

7:18am

AN update on how the roads are looking this morning: 

There are still severe problems on the A39 in Oare on Exmoor, which is blocked between the the New Road junction and the Hall Hill junction, because of snow.

The B3223 at Simonsbath is closed in both directions between the B3358 junction and the A39 Shamble Way junction in Hillsford Bridge, due to snow.

For localised information, visit our live traffic and travel page. 

7:12am

OTTERHAMPTON Primary School in Combwich is also closed. 

7:11am

THE following schools remain closed today: 

• Churchstanton Primary School - please check the website for work for pupils.
• Cutcombe School - snow and falling trees have closed the roads around the school.
• Elmwood School
• Hugh Sexey Middle School - a decision on whether the school will open on Friday will be made by the head and governing board on Thursday. This follows the fire at the school on Wednesday.
• Nether Stowey Primary school - all offers of help to clear snow from 10am welcomed. School open Friday.
• Penrose School
• Selworthy School, Taunton
• Stogursey Church of England Primary - no heating in school.
• The West Somerset Community College - closed to year 9 students but open to 10, 11, 12 and 13 as long as it is safe to travel. All examinations are taking place today at the college.
• Timberscombe School - snow and falling trees have closed the roads around the school.

9:30pm

ONLY major disruption on the roads now is reported to be:

A39 in Oare, Exmoor is still blocked in both directions between the New Road junction and the Hall Hill junction.

B3223 in Simonsbath is still closed in both directions around the B3358 junction.

9:19pm

FREEZING temperatures are expected across the region overnight and into the early hours of tomorrow (January 24). The Met Office has issued a yellow warning - to be aware of - ice for Thursday, but there is no mention of more snow to come.

8:30pm

Wondering what the weather is going to do overnight and tomorrow? Click here to find out. 

7:25pm

An update on the roads: 

The earlier problems on the A358 at Crowcombe at the Round Pool Lane junction have improved. 

But an accident involving a car and debris on the A30 Sherborne Road in Yeovil is causing problems westbound at Compton Road. 

7:09pm

First Bus update: 

Following last night's massive problems in Somerset where many buses became stranded, and with freezing temperatures forecast tonight, we have taken the decision to stop all usual Somerset evening services early tonight (Wednesday 23 Jan). Other areas will continue to run as in the timetables. This is the list of last evening journeys for this evening in Somerset only:

Somerset last service departures January 23.
21 from Taunton to Bridgwater only 20:00.
21 from Taunton to Bridgwater only 20:20.
21 from Burnham to Bridgwater only 20:06.
28 from Taunton to Minehead 20:00.
22 from Taunton to Wellington 19:50.
22 from Wellington to Taunton 20:28.

In other areas we will continue to run the buses across the network for as long as we can, providing it is safe to do so. At the end of the day your safety, and that of our staff and other road users has to take priority - so if services are suspended it is for this reason, and this reason alone.

6:53pm

6:49pm

Dave Coleman sent in this picture that he took in Bridgwater last night. 

6:41pm

Your latest travel update for the area: 

• There are severe problems on the A39 in Oare on Exmoor. The road is blocked in both directions between the New Road junction and the Hall Hill junction because of snow. 
• Drivers are being warned of hazardous driving conditions on both carriageways of the M5 between junction 26 (A38 Wellington) and junction 28 (A373, Cullompton Services)
• The road surface on the A358 at Crowcombe is in a poor condition at the Round Pool Lane junction. 
• The B3223 at Simonsbath is closed in both directions around the B3358 junction. 

Take care if you are out and about on the roads this evening and check our live traffic and travel news for localised information. 

To get in touch, tweet us using #somersetsnow visit our Facebook page or leave a comment below.

6:22pm

6:20pm

6:16pm

4:53pm

DANIEL Searle with Liverpool fan Snowy in Bridgwater.

4:36pm

4:24pm

4:23pm

4:22pm

4:04pm

VOLUNTEERS and staff helping keep the region on the move have been thanked for their efforts in the snow by Somerset County Council.

A spokesman said: "Gritter crews have been working around the clock in snow-affected areas of Somerset since nearly six inches fell in 24 hours.

"Double the usual amount of salt will be used to treat roads tonight."

Council deputy leader David Hall said: “It has been a difficult time for everyone, but it has seen excellent efforts by our staff and contractors, partner agencies, volunteers and the public in keeping Somerset moving.

“Many of the roads are clear of snow, but I would ask everyone to be extremely careful if the county ices over.”

Staff from other authorities have been helping county council highways teams clear and salt pavements, particularly in Taunton Deane and South Somerset, along with Yeovil Town Council.

From Tuesday afternoon, the fleet of 23 Somerset County Council gritters circled the 900 miles of high priority roads with salt, and later concentrated on a further 500 miles – about a third of the county network in total.

Agricultural contractors also helped with snow ploughing duties, and 4x4 drivers across the county lent a hand to fellow motorists.

Volunteers drivers from Wessex 4x4 have been helping adult social care staff reach vulnerable people.

Fallen trees and abandoned vehicles also hampered driving, with hills in Taunton Deane, Mendip and West Somerset the worst affected.

About 120 schools and children’s centres reported full or part closures. Some schools opened purely to allow students to take GCSE exams.

3:58pm

3:57pm

3:57pm

THIS was the scene at Bishops Lydeard Station on the West Somerset Railway on Tuesday evening.

2:52pm

IT'S not all doom and gloom out there...Mercury photographer Jeff Searle took this snap of a group of women enjoying the snow in Nether Stowey.

Send your snow photos to...

Somerset County Gazette: newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk

Bridgwater Mercury: newsdesk@bridgwatermercury.co.uk

Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News: newsdesk@burnhamnews.co.uk

Chard & Ilminster News: newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk

2:50pm

TONIGHT'S scheduled evening show and all classes at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre near Taunton have been cancelled due to the poor weather conditions.

2:45pm

THIS spectacular scene was captured on a road near Taunton by photographer Harry Trump.

2:42pm

DESPITE many schools across Somerset closing due to the snowfall, it’s been business as usual at Taunton School (below).
Headmaster Dr John Newton said: “We are very committed to teaching pupils, but we are also committed to supporting busy parents in their professional lives.
“Therefore we have stayed open and taught our pupils in the normal way.
“We have ensured that we have safe and clear procedures both for our drivers bringing pupils to school and for our pupils while they are in school.
“I also pay tribute to my staff, the vast majority of whom have made it in to teach the pupils.
“Being a boarding school we have been able to house some pupils overnight who have exams, as we consider their performance to be paramount.
“In all, there were too many compelling reasons for the school to continue its normal service to all pupils.”

2:35pm

1:36pm

FIRST Bus updates:

In Bridgwater, numbers 1, 2, 3 and 14 now have a restricted service.

In Taunton, numbers 1/A, 3/3A, 4, 21/21A/ and 22/22A now have a restricted service.

All others remain suspended.

1:28pm

1:27pm

THE A396 is blocked between the B3222 junction in Dulverton and the B3224 Summerway junction in Wheddon Cross, because of snow and a fallen tree.

1:22pm

1:20pm

THE A38 at Bristol Road in Highbridge is busy but moving between Edithmead roundabout and Highbridge Cemetery roundabout.

Keep up to date with our live travel and weather pages.

1:18pm

THIS 'snowcat' was sent in by Jane and Chloe Hutton of Lower Westford, Wellington.

They made one in the front garden and one in the back - that's dedication!

1:15pm

1:14pm

CHANTELLE Bowring sent us this photo of her snowman enjoying a bottle of Peroni.

12:31pm

LATEST on people staying at Nether Stowey Village Hall overnight after severe snow and fallen trees made the A39 impassable:

Wendy Hobbs, secretary to Nether Stowey Village Hall Committee, has praised the efforts of police.

She said: “I got a call from the police asking me for the key to the village hall which I gave to them around 2am.

“It was mainly a police effort and they helped people get around in 4x4 vehicles. I even heard they were taking microwaves to the people in the hall.

“By 9.30am I had the key back and everyone had left the hall.”

Jane Greenslade, one of the drivers who took refuge in the hall, told ITV: “I was trying to get back to Washford and came down the Taunton road.

"That was blocked so we went back to Bridgwater and came down the Bridgwater road and it’s blocked here.

“The police brought us all in the hall to keep us warm and dry while the cleared the road.”

Another driver, Bill Walker, said: “I went up the hill, lost control of the car and had to manoeuvre it into the side of the road.

“Luckily there were people around to help. From then, were helping other people.

“It’s been an eventful night. The weather’s not been great lately and I think this just tops it off.”

12:08pm

12:07pm

Link Power volunteers at Halcon clearing the snow for elderly and vulnerable residents.

12:06pm

11:58am

TRULL School is asking parents to collect pupils as soon as possible.

11:54am

11:51am

VIRGIN Active gym has sent out a text to all customers saying they will close at 3pm today due to the snow. 

11:48am

WE have been informed that Bishop Fox's School will close at 12.30pm.

11:42am

11:39am

A FARMER says she is lucky to be alive after her chimney crashed down on the chair where she previously sat.

Tanya Bamber, from Over Stowey near Bridgwater, was woken around 2am this morning (January 23) by the sound of an 8ft chimney collapsing in her kitchen.

It is believed to have toppled under the weight of severe snowfall overnight.

Tanya, 54, said: “I was sound asleep and I heard a crash. Snow had been falling from the roof and at first I thought it was that.

“I went to investigate and then I saw it – the chimney fell right on my chair where I’d sat before going to bed. I’ve been very lucky it wasn’t a few hours before.

“You can’t imagine the sight of it. There’s a massive chimney in my kitchen and a hole in my roof.”

Offers of accommodation have been made by Tanya’s friends and family and she has praised the efforts of the fire crew and Western Power Distribution.

The hole has been covered by fire crews, who put out sparks and made the area safe.

But Tanya said this is the second blow she has been dealt by the elements, as she is still not able to use her living room after it was flooded in November.

“I’m still waiting for my living room to be declared properly dried out so I can use it again.

“I can’t believe this has happened but I’m alright and no one was injured.”

11:36am

11:27am

SOMERSET County Cricket club's AGM tonight has been postponed due to the weather. Will be in February now, date to be arranged.

11:23am

11:23am

11:18am

TAUNTON Town's league clash with Bishops Cleeve tonight has been called off.

Groundsmen were unable to make the pitch fit in time for the match and with treacherous travelling conditions, the decision was to postpone the fixture until a later date.

11:13am

10:50am

A HEAD teacher was shovelling snow from 5.30am this morning (January 23) to allow his school to remain open.

Duncan Macrae was still working to clear the car park and pathways at Enmore Primary School near Bridgwater by 9am this morning.

Around half the children have been able to get to the school as a result of his commitment and hard work.

He said: “If it’s possible for the school to stay open we will. I happened to be able to get here early enough to assess whether or not we could.

“I decided it was possible for me to clear the pathways and the car park.

“When parents began to arrive they helped clear the snow too. A farmer has also offered to use his tractor to help clear the grounds later.”

His efforts have been praised by parents and staff. One parent said: “The school is open, only due to the dedication of the Headmaster and his teaching staff.

“It is very much appreciated.”

10:48am

10:39am

LOOKS as though some buses are running in Taunton. More when we get it...

10:38am

PEOPLE in Milverton woke up to this today. Thanks to parish council clerk Gwilym Wren for the photo.

10:32am

A LANE is closed on M5 southbound at J25 because of a crash.

10:29am

WORKMEN clear paths in Bridgwater this morning.

10:16am

10:14am

10:08am

10:06am

10:04am

ONE lane is closed on the M5 southbound between the Taunton and Wellington junctions (J25/26) following a single-vehicle collision.

10:02am

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

9:59am

9:53am

MORE on people spending last night in Nether Stowey Village Hall after snow made roads impassable...

Barbara Rich, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, said: “We’ve had snow like this a few years ago, but it’s pretty grim.

“It catches a lot of people off guard, no matter how much you prepare.

“Luckily, we have three good shops here, a doctor’s surgery and a fire station. Everyone’s been doing what they can to help those stranded. That’s what living in a village is all about.”

9:37am

UPDATE from WebberBus:

Minehead – No 18 service due to weather – 100 service running – 106 running

Weston – Services should be ok waiting update

Bridgwater – 15/75 service running – Park & Ride running – 670s running 19 running.

9:34am

AROUND 30 people were forced to spend last night (January 22) in Nether Stowey village hall after severe snow made roads impassable.

Around 2am this morning (January 23) the key holder for the village hall was contacted by police, who were assisting drivers and passengers who had become stranded after fallen trees and excessive snowfall had blocked the A39.

Pru Place, whose husband, Brian, is the booking secretary for the village hall, said: “I heard there were trees down and a lorry had gone into a ditch because of the snow on the A39.

“The police have been helping people out this morning by taking up microwaves. As soon as the village shop opened someone went and got milk and tea and breakfast for those still in the hall.

“It’s been a group effort in the face of such bad snow.”

Police officers used 4x4 vehicles to help people who had abandoned their cars last night and a nearby fire station served hot drinks and offered further assistance.

9:27am

FIRST Bus services in Taunton and Bridgwater are still suspended.

9:26am

The scene in Taunton town centre this morning:

9:23am

DUE to deteriorating weather conditions – and the uncertainly of the road
network in the morning – Sedgemoor District Council's two meetings tomorrow (January 24) have been cancelled.

9:20am

9:19am

DOZENS of stranded motorists were forced to abandon their cars and spend the night in Nether Stowey village hall.

Thick snow on the A39 between Williton and Taunton caused severe problems for drivers, forcing many to be rescued by 4x4s.

Around 30 people spent the night in the hall.

Were you stranded? Call the newsdesk on 01823-365105. 

9:14am

9:13am

9:08am

9:07am

9:02am

THIS is the scene outside the shop in West Buckland. Photo by Dave Lacey.

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

8:57am

8:57am

8:55am

PASSABLE with care on the A358 between Williton and Taunton but abandoned vehicles are causing some problems.

A reminder that First Bus has suspended its services in Taunton and Bridgwater.

View our live traffic page here.

8:47am

Well, this is what I woke up to this morning (January 23) - Mercury reporter Kirsty James.

8:45am

Updated school closures list:

• All Saints First Dulverton School.
• Ashill Community School School.approach roads. Governors meeting also cancelled tonight.
• Ashill Community School School closed because of snow and dangerous approach roads. Governors meeting also cancelled tonight.
• Avishayes Primary School & Early Years Centre, Chard.
• Beech Grove Primary School, Wellington.
• Berkley School.
• Bishop Henderson School, Coleford.
• Bishops Lydeard CofE VC Primary School.
• Blue School, Wells.
• Bridgwater Centre.
• Bridgwater College Academy.
• Bruton Primary School.
• Buckland St Mary C of E Primary, Chard.
• Buckland St Mary C of E Primary, Chard.
• Butleigh Church of England Primary School, Butleigh Butleigh School will register pupils at 10.00am today. School will be open from 9.00am.
• Cannington CEVC Primary School.
• Charlton Horethorne C of E VA Primary School, near Sherborne.
• Cheddon Fitzpaine.
• Chewton Mendip VA Primary School.
• Chilton Trinity School, Bridgwater. The school will be closed, but will be open only to pupils who are due to take exams today. If pupils are due to sit exams today, please could they make every effort to attend.
• Christ Church First School, Frome. The school is open if you feel it is safe to make the journey, please take care.
• Churchstanton Primary School, Churchstanton.
• Combe St Nicholas CE VA Primary School closed today due to snow.
• Court Fields Community School, Wellington The school will be closed today, but will be open to pupils who are due to take exams today. The school would like those pupils to make every effort to attend school to sit their exams.
• Creech St Michael C of E Primary, Taunton Full closure due to snow
• Crispin School, Street - Partial Closure Crispin school is closed to years 7,8 and 9 but OPEN FOR YEARS 10 and 11
• croscombe ce primary  croscombe closed wednesday 23rd  snow
• Crowcombe CE VA Primary School Heavy snow has made it unsafe for staff/pupils to travel to school
• Cutcombe School Closed due to snow, Wednesday 23rd January
• Dulverton Middle School Closed due to snow 23rd January
• Elmwood School Closed to staff and pupils due to severe weather
• Exford First School School Closed due to snow 23rd January
• Halcon Community Primary School, Taunton School is closed due to snow.
• Hamp Children's Centre Nursery, Bridgwater Nursery closed due to snow
• Hamp Junior School, Bridgwater School closed to staff and pupils due to adverse weather conditions.
• Hamp Nursery & Infant School, Bridgwater School closed due to snow
• Haygrove School, Bridgwater Closed for students.  Site is accessible for staff if they need to do so.
• Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield School open to Year 11 students taking the GCSE History exam
• Hemington Primary School, Hemington, Somerset Hemington Primary School remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
• Hinton St George CE First School School closed today due to snow
• Holway Park Primary School, Taunton. Closed for Wednesday 23rd January 2013
• Holyrood Academy Closed due to adverse weather conditions.  Examinations will go ahead as planned.
• Horrington Primary School, Wells Closed due to further snow and ice on access roads and school site overnight.
• Horsington Church of England Primary School Horsington School closure on 23rd January
• Kilmersdon CofE Primary Closed because of snow.
• Kingston St C of E Primary  Mary, Taunton School closed 231//2013
• Kingston st Mary C of E Primary School closed 23/1/2013
• Langford Budville C of E Primary -nr Wellington SCHOOL Closed due to heavy snowfall and difficult road conditions to village.
• Leigh upon Mendip School closed due to the snow and adverse weather
• Link Education Centre Sedgemoor, Bridgwater School closed to students 23/01/13 due to local weather conditions
• Lydeard St Lawrence Snow
• Maiden Beech Academy Closed today due to snow and ice.
• Manor Court Primary School and Early Years Centre, Chard School closed today due to the snow
• Mells C of E First School Due to extreme ice both at school and on roads school will not be open today.
• Merriott First We will be open today but are unable to provide hot meals.  Only travel if you feel that it is safe to do so.  If we have further snow during the day we will review the situation.
• Milford Infants School, Yeovil The school is closed today Wednesday 23rd January due to bad weather.
• Milford Junior School, Yeovil The school will be closed due to safety of children and staff following heavy snowfall.
• Milford Junior School, Yeovil The school will be closed due to safety of children and staff following heavy snowfall.
• Milverton Community Primary School and Milverton Pre-school School closed on Weds 23 Jan due to heavy snowfall and forecast of further snow.
• Misterton Church of England First School Weather conditions mean that we are unable to get sufficient staff to open school
• Neroche Primary School Closed due to heavy snow to preserve staff and pupil safety due to hazardous road conditions
• Nether Stowey Primary School School is closed today
• North Curry Cof E Primary School, North Curry Taunton School closed today Wednesday 23rd January due to staff being unable to get to school safely in snow.
• North Newton Primary School closed by the Headteacher and Chair of Governors due to snow, safety concerns & lack of staff cover.
• Norton Fitzwarren CofE Primary School snow and therefore staffing levels across all classes
• Oake, Bradford & Nynehead Primary School & Little Acorns Preschool Sorry, closed as the snow has made it too hazardous for staff and pupils to travel today.
• Oakhill Chhurch of England Primary School, Radstock School closed
• Oakhill Primary School, Oakhill, Radstock School closed on Wednesday, 23rd January due to snow and icy conditions
• Pen Mill Infant and Nursery Academy, Yeovil Closed as it is unsafe for staff and pupils to get to school.
• Penrose School, Bridgwater Closed
• Penrose School, Bridgwater Closed due to snow
• Priddy school Very heavy snow and icy roads
• Priddy School ba5 3be Heavy snow icy roads
• Priorswood Primary, Taunton Closed due to snow
• Priorswood Primary, Taunton School closed due to snow/adverse weather conditions
• Reckleford school and nursery We are closed today (Wednesday 23rd) due to ice, snow and insufficient staff being able to get to the school?
• Reckleford school and nursery We are closed today (Wednesday 23rd) due to ice, snow and insufficient staff being able to get to the school.
• Robert Blake Science College - Bridgwater School closed due to the snow.
• Robert Blake Science College Bridgwater School closed to staff and students due to adverse weather conditions
• Robert Blake Science College Bridgwater School closed to staff and students due to adverse weather conditions
• Rockwell Green Primary School Closed today
• Sampford Arundel Primary School TA4 9QL Closed due to snow for Wednesday.  Expected to open on Thursday 24th
• Sampford Arundel Primary, Nr Wellington School closed due to snow/adverse weather conditions
• Sedgemoor Centre We are closed due to insufficient staff being able to get into school due to last nights snowfall.
• Selworthy School Taunton Closed due to snow
• Shepton Beauchamp CE VC Primary School school closed due to snow and local conditions
• Sky College, Taunton Sky College will be closed today due to heavy snowfall.
• Spaxton C of E Primary Due to heavy snow
• St Bartholomew's C of E First School, Crewkerne School closed due to bad weather
• St John's CofE VA Primary, Wellington Closed due to snow.
• St Joseph's Catholic School, Bridgwater School closed due to snow and poor travelling conditions
• St Margaret's Primary School, Tintinhull School closed due to snow/adverse weather conditions
• St Michael's Academy We are closed due to insufficient staff being able to get into school due to last nights snowfall.
• St. Mary and St. Peter's CE VC Primary Barrington and Ilton Base School closed due to snow and local conditions
• Stawley Primary School Closed today due to deep snow and ice
• STEPS Centre Closure due to snow conditions 23-01-13
• Stogumber CE VC Primary School Heavy snow has made it unsafe for staff/pupils to travel to school
• Stogursey Church of England Primary No heating in school
• Stoke St Gregory Primary School School closed due to snow/adverse weather conditions
• Stoke St Michael Closure
• Stoke St Michael Primary School School closed due to the snow
• STOKE ST MICHAEL PRIMARY, STOKE ST MICHAEL, RADSTOCK DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS WE ARE CLOSED TODAY.
• Swanmead Community School Overnight snow in Ilminster and the surrounding areas has made it unsafe for pupils and staff to travel to school.
• Tatworth Primary School Closed due to heavy snow
• The Key Centre Childcare, Frome The nursery will be open please take care on your journey
• The Taunton Academy NORTH OPEN, SOUTH CLOSED.  the North site (ex Ladymead) is open to years 9,10 and 11.The South site is closed to years 7,8 12 and 13.
• The West Somerset Community College The College is closed to all students and staff. The College will be open to those students who have public examinations today, but only if it is safe to travel.
• Thurlbear School Taunton Closed due to snow.
• Trinity CEVC First School, Frome We are open but will have some staff shortages. It will be a mixed up day. We will understand if you decide not to send your child today. Take Care getting here.
• Upton Noble CofE Primary School School closed due to dangerous travelling conditions and buses not running.
• Wadham School School closed due to snow conditions. Exams will run as scheduled.
• Wellesley Park Primary School Full Closure
• Wellesley Park School, Wellington The school is closed today due to snow
• Wembdon st George's Bridgwater Adverse weather conditions around school and difficulty getting staff in.
• West Buckland Primary Closed due to heavy snow
• West Monkton We are open but will have some staff shortages. It will be a mixed up day. We will understand if you decide not to send your child today. Take Care getting here.
• Westover Green Community School, Bridgwater Snow 23/1/13
• Winsham Primary School, near Chard School closed due to the snow and adverse weather
• Wiveliscombe Primary School closed due to weather conditions on Wednesday 23rd January
• Woolavington Village Primary School School closed due to snow.

8:43am

Well, this is what I woke up to this morning - Mercury reporter Kirsty James

8:41am

8:37am

8:37am

8:36am

VEHICLES are still struggling on the B3227 through Wiveliscombe and roads are treacherous on the road between Nether Stowey and Bridgwater.

There's hazardous driving conditions on A358 in both directions in Ashill between the Folly Drove junction and Southfields Roundabout.

The A396 at Timberscombe is closed in both directions at the Great House Street junction.

8:26am

MUSGROVE Park Hospital says today's appointments will run as planned but if you can't get to yours you will be given a new one.

8:25am

THIS was the scene in Bridgwater town centre last night, as captured by Mercury photographer Jeff Searle.

8:20am

FIRST Bus has suspended its services in Taunton and Bridgwater.

If you're taking the car, see our live traffic and travel page here.

8:04am

Update on school closures: 

• All Saints First Dulverton
• Ashill Community School - Governors' meeting also cancelled tonight.
• Avishayes Primary School & Early Years Centre, Chard
• Beech Grove Primary School, Wellington
• Bishop Henderson School Coleford
• Bishops Lydeard CofE VC Primary
• Blue School, Wells - exams to go ahead as detailed on website 
• Bridgwater College Academy
• Bruton Primary School
• Buckland St Mary C of E Primary, Chard
• Buckland St Mary C of E Primary, Chard
• Butleigh Church of England Primary School, Butleigh - will register pupils at 10am today. School will be open from 9am.
• Cannington CEVC Primary
• Charlton Horethorne C of E VA Primary School, Near Sherborne
• Cheddon Fitzpaine
• Chewton Mendip VA Primary Schoolr
• Chilton Trinity School, Bridgwater - open only to pupils who are due to take exams today. If pupils are due to sit exams today, please could they make every effort to attend.
• Churchstanton Primary School, Churchstanton - check website for updates and work for pupils.
• Combe St Nicholas CE VA Primary
• Court Fields Community School, Wellington - open to pupils who are due to take exams today. The school would like those pupils to make every effort to attend school to sit their exams.
• Creech St Michael C of E Primary, Taunton
• Croscombe CE Primary
• Crowcombe CE VA Primary School
• Cutcombe School
• Dulverton Middle
• Elmwood School
• Exford First School
• Halcon Community Primary School, Taunton
• Hamp Children's Centre Nursery, Bridgwater
• Hamp Junior School, Bridgwater
• Hamp Nursery & Infant School, Bridgwater
• Haygrove School, Bridgwater
• Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield - open to Year 11 students taking the GCSE History exam
• Hemington Primary School, Hemington
• Hinton St George CE First School
• Holway Park Primary School, Taunton.
• Holyrood Academy - examinations will go ahead as planned.
• Horrington Primary School, Wells
• Horsington Church of England Primary School Horsington
• Kilmersdon CofE Primary
• Closed because of snow.
• Kingston st Mary C of E Primary
• Langford Budville C of E Primary -nr Wellington
• Link Education Centre Sedgemoor, Bridgwater
• Lydeard St Lawrence
• Maiden Beech Academy
• Manor Court Primary School and Early Years Centre, Chard
• Mells C of E First School
• Merriott First - open but unable to provide hot meals.  Only travel if you feel that it is safe to do so.  If we have further snow during the day we will review the situation.
• Milford Infants School, Yeovil
• Milford Junior School, Yeovil
• Milverton Community Primary School and Milverton Pre-school
• Misterton Church of England First School
• Neroche Primary School
• Nether Stowey Primary School
• North Curry Cof E Primary School, North Curry 
• North Newton Primary
• Norton Fitzwarren CofE Primary School
• Oake, Bradford & Nynehead Primary School & Little Acorns Preschool
• Oakhill Chhurch of England Primary School, Radstock
• Pen Mill Infant and Nursery Academy, Yeovil
• Penrose School, Bridgwater
• Priddy School
• Priorswood Primary, Taunton
• Reckleford School and Nursery
• Robert Blake Science College, Bridgwater
• Rockwell Green Primary School
• Sampford Arundel Primary School
• Sampford Arundel Primary, Nr Wellington
• Sedgemoor Centre
• Selworthy School Taunton
• Shepton Beauchamp CE VC Primary School
• Sky College, Taunton
• Spaxton C of E Primary
• St Bartholomew's C of E First School, Crewkerne
• St John's CofE VA Primary, Wellington
• St Joseph's Catholic School, Bridgwater
• St Margaret's Primary School, Tintinhull
• St Michael's Academy
• St. Mary and St. Peter's CE VC Primary Barrington and Ilton Base
• Stawley Primary School
• Stogumber CE VC Primary School
• Stoke St Gregory Primary School
• Stoke St Michael
• Stoke St Michael Primary School
• Swanmead Community School
• Tatworth Primary School
• The Taunton Academy - the North site (ex-Ladymead) is open to years 9,10 and 11; the South site is closed to years 7,8 12 and 13.
• The West Somerset Community College - open to those students who have public examinations today, but only if it is safe to travel.
• Thurlbear School Taunton
• Trinity CEVC First School, Frome - open but will have some staff shortages. It will be a mixed up day. We will understand if you decide not to send your child today.
• Upton Noble CofE Primary School
• Wadham School - exams will run as scheduled.
• Wellesley Park Primary School
• Wellesley Park School, Wellington
• Wembdon st George's, Bridgwater
• West Buckland Primary
• West Monkton - open but will have some staff shortages. It will be a mixed up day. We will understand if you decide not to send your child today.
• Westover Green Community School, Bridgwater
• Wiveliscombe Primary
• Woolavington Village Primary School

7:54am

Traffic on A39 Minehead to Williton is moving fine; A358 Williton to Taunton is passable with care – lots of abandoned vehicles.

7:50am

7:47am

7:41am

David Lacey told us on Facebook: 

A38 Wellington Road open, drive with care.

7:38am

Lyngford Park School in Taunton is opening for children at 10am to allow staff more travelling time to get to work safely.

7:37am

The latest on road conditions: 

There are difficult driving conditions on B3227 through Wiveliscombe, but it is passable with care. 

Larger vehicles are struggling to get up the hill on the A39 between B3339 Wembdon Road junction in Bridgwater and the Stogursey Lane junction in Nether Stowey, causing delays for other motorists.

Minor routes on Exmoor, Blackdowns and Quantocks are to be avoided - 8 inches of snow is reported to have fallen in some areas.

7:24am

Latest updates on school closures: 

• Avishayes Primary School & Early Years Centre, Chard
• Beech Grove Primary School, Wellington
• Bishop Henderson School Coleford
• Bishops Lydeard CofE VC Primary
• Blue School, Wells - exams to go ahead as detailed on website www.theblueschoolwells.co.uk
• Bridgwater College Academy
• Bruton Primary School
• Cannington CE VC Primary
• Charlton Horethorne C of E VA Primary School, Near Sherborne.
• Cheddon Fitzpaine
• Chewton Mendip VA Primary School
• Churchstanton Primary School, Churchstanton - please check website for updates and work for pupils.
• Combe St Nicholas CE VA Primary
• Court Fields Community School, Wellington - open to pupils who are due to take exams today. The school would like those pupils to make every effort to attend school to sit their exams.
• Croscombe CE Primary, Croscombe
• Crowcombe CE VA Primary School
• Cutcombe School
• Elmwood School
• Hamp Children's Centre Nursery, Bridgwater
• Hamp Junior School, Bridgwater
• Hamp Nursery & Infant School, Bridgwater
• Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield - open to Year 11 students taking the GCSE History exam
• Holway Park Primary School, Taunton
• Holyrood Academy - examinations will go ahead as planned.
• Horrington Primary School, Wells
• Kilmersdon CofE Primary
• Langford Budville C of E Primary, nr Wellington
• Mells C of E First School
• Neroche Primary School
• Nether Stowey Primary School
• North Curry Cof E Primary School, North Curry
• Pen Mill Infant and Nursery Academy, Yeovil
• Penrose School, Bridgwater
• Penrose School, Bridgwater
• Priddy School
• Robert Blake Science College, Bridgwater
• Rockwell Green Primary School
• Selworthy School Taunton
• Shepton Beauchamp CE VC Primary School
• Sky College, Taunton
• Sky College will be closed today due to heavy snowfall.
• Spaxton C of E Primary
• Due to heavy snow
• St Bartholomew's C of E First School, Crewkerne
• St John's CofE VA Primary, Wellington
• St Michael's Academy
• St. Mary and St. Peter's CE VC Primary Barrington and Ilton Base
• Stawley Primary School
• Stogumber CE VC Primary School
• Swanmead Community School
• The Taunton Academy - North site (ex-Ladymead) is open to years 9, 10 and 11, South site closed to years 7, 8, 12 and 13.
• Train for all Construction Academy - all sites closed
• The West Somerset Community College - open to those students who have public examinations today, but only if it is safe to travel.
• Upton Noble CofE Primary School
• Westover Green Community School, Bridgwater
• Wiveliscombe Primary

7:14am

7:13am

7:08am

Gary Davies got in touch to say: 

Road from Cotford-Oake-Bradford-M5 is ok but a little caution needed between Oake and Bradford-on-Tone. Passed through at about 5.15am.

7:07am

Reports coming in that Berrys Coaches have cancelled all school buses today.

6:58am

First Bus services have been suspended this morning, while Webber Bus services are continuing. 

Taunton Park and Ride is running, but with delays.
 

6:56am

Update to school closures: 

• Avishayes Primary School & Early Years Centre, Chard
• Beech Grove Primary School, Wellington
• Bishops Lydeard CofE VC Primary
• Blue School, Wells - exams to go ahead as detailed on website www.theblueschoolwells.co.uk
• Bridgwater College Academy
• Charlton Horethorne C of E VA Primary School, near Sherborne.
• Chewton Mendip VA Primary School
• Churchstanton Primary School, Churchstanton - please check website for updates and work for pupils.
• Combe St Nicholas CE VA Primary
• Court Fields Community School, Wellington - open to pupils who are due to take exams today. The school would like those pupils to make every effort to attend school to sit their exams.
• Crowcombe CE VA Primary School
• Cutcombe School
• Elmwood School
• Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield - open to Year 11 students taking the GCSE History exam
• Holyrood Academy - examinations will go ahead as planned.
• Mells C of E First School
• Neroche Primary School
• Nether Stowey Primary School
• Pen Mill Infant and Nursery Academy, Yeovil
• Penrose School, Bridgwater
• Priddy School
• Robert Blake Science College, Bridgwater
• Selworthy School Taunton
• Shepton Beauchamp CE VC Primary School
• Sky College, Taunton
• Spaxton C of E Primary
• St Bartholomew's C of E First School, Crewkerne
• St John's CofE VA Primary, Wellington
• St Michael's Academy
• St. Mary and St. Peter's CE VC Primary Barrington and Ilton Base
• Stawley Primary School
• Stogumber CE VC Primary School
• Swanmead Community School
• The West Somerset Community College

6:52am

Snow has caused disruption on the roads across Somerset: 

There has been an accident on the A30 West Coker Road in Yeovil at the Wraxhill Road junction, which is affecting carriageways in both directions.

There are hazardous driving conditions on A37 Kilver Street Hill in Charlton, clockwise at Garston Street. 

Difficult conditions in both directions on A39 in Bridgwater between B3339 Wembdon Road junction in Bridgwater and the Stogursey Lane junction in Nether Stowey. 

A39 Puriton Hill in Puriton is partially blocked between the Crancombe Lane junction and the A38 Bristol Road junction, because of snow and vehicles getting stuck.

There are difficult driving conditions on the A358 at Ashill both ways between the Folly Drove junction and A303, Southfields Roundabout. 

No incidents on the M5 - traffic is moving.

Keep in touch as you go to school or work this morning and send us your pictures via Twitter: #somersetsnow or to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk 

6:50am

Taunton park and rides said to be running but with some delays

6:50am

Tough driving conditions on the A358 at Mattocks Tree Hill, Thornfalcon

6:49am

6:34am

All bus services run by First bus out of Taunton are suspended this morning.

And all services by Hatch Green Coaches are off.

6:33am

School closures announced so far as a result of the heavy snowfall overnight: 

• Bridgwater College Academy
• Churchstanton Primary School, Churchstanton - please check website for updates and work for pupils.
• Crowcombe CE VA Primary School
• Cutcombe School
• Elmwood School
• Neroche Primary School
• Priddy school
• Selworthy School Taunton
• Shepton Beauchamp CE VC Primary School
• Sky College, Taunton
• St. Mary and St. Peter's CE VC Primary Barrington and Ilton Base School 
• Stogumber CE VC Primary School

Keep checking back for updates. 

6:27am

Heavy snowfall overnight into Wednesday has led to severe disruption to travel and school closures.

Email your photos to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk and use #somersetsnow on Twitter.

11:23pm

10:33pm

10:21pm

10:10pm

Reports of at least one bus stranded on the A358, with passengers still on board. 

The kindness of strangers comes into play as 4x4 drivers try to help. 

Severe delays for motorists and several abandoned vehicles at Flaxpool. 

10:00pm

9:54pm

A39 Bridgwater: there are hazardous driving conditions in both directions between B3339 Wembdon Road in Bridgwater and Stogursey Lane junction in Nether Stowey, caused by ice. 

M5: slow traffic and difficult conditions in both directions between A38 [M5 junction 26, Wellington] and A39 [M5 junction 23, Bridgwater North] caused by ice and snow. Maximum speed 40mph.

9:50pm

Drivers are turning back on the A358 Flaxpool Hill around the Roebuck Gate Lane junction near Crowcombe, between Minehead and Taunton. Hazardous driving conditions have been caused by ice there. 

9:44pm

9:23pm

A Somerset County Council's highways team spokesperson said there are 23 gritters on the network as well as contractors' ploughs. 

"We will continue working all night but please don't travel unless absolutely necessary.

"High ground difficult but low ground passable. A39 Porlock Hill closed."

9:16pm

Some trains departing from and arriving at Taunton Station slightly delayed, but no cancellations as yet:

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/At-the-station/Taunton

9:10pm

First Bus Group has suspended all Taunton services for the night, with many buses stuck out on route. 

8:52pm

8:51pm

Steve Mitchell got in touch with us to say: "My thanks to the driver and partner in the Mitsubushi Shogun, who towed me from being stuck on Blagdon Hill up to the top so I could drive home.  They then returned to help others.  Aren't people kind?!" 

8:50pm

8:50pm

8:50pm

We've just received this journey account from an un-named reader...

Left work in Barnstaple at 3.30pm  it was raining. 

By time got near Tiverton snowing heavily, tried A38 from nr junction 27 M5. Forced to turn back due traffic unable to negotiate A38 at Whiteball near Wellington, about 150 cars and a bus stopped, police on sight with good humour helping motorists.

Managed to get on M5 at junction 27 & crawl along behind a snowploughs to junction 25.

So arrived home after 3 hour trip instead of usual  hour and a quarter , weather permitting same journey again tomorrow with no hassle.

To send your stories, email newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or click on the green 'Send your news' icon towards the top of this page.

6:27pm

6:23pm

6:12pm

6:09pm

Traffic update:

THERE'S been a crash on the A38 in Thurloxton at the Knotcroft Lane junction.

Queueing traffic is backing up along the A358 in both directions in Crowcombe at the Roebuck Gate Lane junction, because of ice. Conditions are hazardous.

Traffic is also queueing on the A38 in both directions at Whiteball, near Wellington, at the Brimstone Lane junction, because of snow.

Church Hill in Exford is closed at the Edgcott Road junction.

There is slow traffic on A358 in Chard at the Paradise Lane junction, because of a crash.

View our live traffic and travel page here.

5:59pm

TRAFFIC is struggling to get through West Buckland.

Fresh snow is falling on what was left from the weekend and making roads impassable.

5:43pm

THE Highways Agency is warning drivers across Somerset to take extra care on the roads this evening (January 22) and overnight as further snow and rain, possibly turning to ice, is forecast.

The Met Office predicts heavy snow (2cm to 5cm) is likely, with up to 10cm possible in some places. 

The Highways Agency, working closely with the Met Office, has issued an amber alert advising of the potential for travel disruption.

Even where snow has not fallen, there is a risk of rainwater turning to ice.

Gill Risdale, Highways Agency operations manager for the South-West, said:
“Our winter fleet works around the clock and roads will continue to be treated whenever there is a risk of ice or snow.

“During severe winter weather drivers should check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting out, and if conditions are poor and journeys are not essential they should think about delaying until conditions improve."

A reminder that you can get the latest information at our weather page and live traffic page.

5:32pm

5:24pm

5:19pm

HEAVY snow blankets Dulverton. Photo by Emma Grant.

For a seven-day forecast where you live, see our weather page.

5:14pm

YEOVIL College has been forced to cancel tonight's evening classes.

5:10pm

TEN cars have reportedly slipped out of control on a hill at Kingston St Mary.

Church Street in Highbridge is also busy due to the weather conditions but moving between the B3139 Market Street roundabout junction and Highbridge cemetery roundabout.

Cars are also struggling to get up Corfe Road, near Taunton.

Get live traffic and travel updates here.

5:03pm

5:01pm

ONE lane is blocked on the M5 both ways between junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 27 (Tiverton).

Snow is making driving conditions hazardous and motorists are urged to take care.

4:31pm

READERS have reported snow settling in rural areas of the county, including Wiveliscombe.

Snow is also building up in the Wellington area.

Let us know what it's like where you are by commenting on this article or tweeting us @CountyGazette, @BWMercury or @BHWeeklyNews.

Alex Hodges snapped a white car park at the Cottage Inn, Wellington, today.

4:17pm

4:16pm

4:08pm

THE latest CCTV pictures of the M5 show that the third lane of the southbound carriageway between junctions 25 and 26 is started to be covered in snow.

3:44pm

SNOW has started to fall again in Taunton... but it doesn't appear to be sticking.

The entire fleet of 23 gritters have been deployed by Somerset County Council to prevent plummetting temperatures turning water to ice.

3:36pm

3:30pm

2:03pm

2:03pm

2:03pm

SNOW has started falling in some parts of Somerset.

Reader Jeff Land said heavy snow has been falling on the Blackdown Hills since 1pm and sent in this picture:

11:25am

THE Quantocks resemble a winter wonderland in this photo by Claire Meredith.

Scroll down to see ways you can send us your photographs.

11:11am

THE ICY weather has also affected resurfacing work on Burnham’s roads.

People living by Love Lane were confused when work set to be carried out by the county council’s Highways team from today (January 22) to January 24 didn’t happen.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: “The planned resurfacing has been postponed because of the weather.

“When there is a suitable date for the work, we will go through the same process for notifying residents and requesting that vehicles are moved in the same way as before.”

10:28am

READER Les Marsh sent in this photo showing deer in the snow by the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

He said it was taken between Swingbridge and Priorswood. Send your photos to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or tweet them to @CountyGazette

8:43am

USE #somersetsnow to tweet updates from where you are.

Latest Tweets using the #somersetsnow hashtag

Yeovil Express has no responsibility or control over the content on external blogging sites, but you can contact us if you have a complaint.

8:20am

SNOW is expected to sweet across Somerset again today (January 22).

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

Below was the scene on the Quantock Hills over the weekend, taken by Darren Hemmings.

8:17am

8:15am

5:18pm

THE latest weather forecast is predicting snow from rush-hour until around 3pm.

3:37pm

THE head master at King's College, Richard Biggs, has issued the following message:

Dear Parents

More snow is forecast to fall tomorrow (January 22) from about 11am onwards.

I think that getting into school in the morning should be manageable, but getting home may not be easy.

In response we have reverted, ironically, to a summer timetable, in which lessons continue immediately after lunch and end at 3:50pm.

We will run some sports practices afterwards, but are happy for pupils to go home straight after lessons if their parents are concerned about the roads.

So...day parents may collect their sons or daughters at 3:50pm, or they can leave them here to continue with activities.

If the snow means that you are unable to collect your child in the afternoon then of course we will accommodate him or her overnight.

Please contact your housemaster/mistress if you have any concerns; and please don’t take any risks.

We will be running the public exams tomorrow as scheduled.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Biggs

2:57pm

2:56pm

12:26pm

THIS was the scene in West Buckland, near Wellington, this morning (January 21).

County Gazette photographer Steve Richardson snapped the village church in front of the snowy hills backdrop at around 10.30am.

11:30am

10:54am

LILY Wilcox, from Taunton, made this snowman and snow puppy. Send us your photos using the email addresses below.

10:49am

10:44am

DON'T forget, you can send us your snow/ice photographs by emailing us at the following addresses....

Somerset County Gazette: newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk

Bridgwater Mercury: newsdesk@bridgwatermercury.co.uk

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: newsdesk@burnhamnews.co.uk

Chard and Ilminster News: newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk

9:22am

9:21am

9:20am

MORE snow is set to fall in Somerset tomorrow (Tuesday), forecasters have warned.

Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing in the county tonight, bringing the possibility of treacherous road conditions.

Snow could fall from 11am on Tuesday until early evening, although that snowfall is the last currently forecast until the end of the month.

9:17am

9:08am

TRULL Primary School in Taunton is closed today (Monday 21) because of a boiler failure at the site.

7:02am