Snow hits Dorset (From Bournemouth Echo)

9:16pm

The snow from earlier in the evening in Bournemouth hasn't settled. 

The forecast suggests rain and sleet later but temperatures aren't expected to hit freezing.

We'll resume the blog tomorrow if the weather is worse than expected.  Don't forget tomorrow's paper for seven pages of weather coverage, including some gorgeous snow pictures.

7:44pm

Reporter Alex Winter says the snow in central Bournemouth isn't settling.

5:37pm

That's everything for now but we're going to keep the blog open just in case there's anything else weather-related we need to tell you about.

Thanks to everyone who has sent in a picture today or got in touch to let us know what's been happening near you.

We've got 7 pages of snow coverage and pictures inside tomorrow's Echo.

Stay safe as there are warnings for ice for over the weekend.

5:21pm

A quick final look at the weather forecast before we head home:

In Bournemouth and Poole there will be rain from 6pm into the early hours of Saturday. The Met Office has issued a yellow 'be prepared' warning for ice valid from 3am on Saturday until 9am on Sunday.

In Verwood, snow is still set to continue falling until 9pm tonight.

In Ringwood, there will be light snow until 7pm and the chance of a few more light flurries overnight. The Met Office has a yellow warning in place for snow for Sunday from 12noon until 9pm.

In Swanage, sleet will turn to rain with temperatures expected to be above freezing.

In Blandford Forum, there will be heavy snow until 9pm with weekend temperatures not getting above freezing. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice, which is valid from 3am on Saturday.

4:58pm

Southampton Airport is due to open at 5.30pm and check in desks are now open for the following flights: 

•         17.55 Amsterdam
•         18.00 Paris-Orly
•         18.10 Manchester
•         18.30 Dublin
 

4:39pm

Council staff have confirmed Poole Day Centre will be closed on Saturday and Sunday due to the weather conditions. Trade waste collections have also been suspended for Saturday. However, Poole libraries will open on Saturday.

4:34pm

More than 20 trees have been damaged in Poole as a result of the weight of snow on their branches. Workers are currently removing affected branches in a bid to make these trees safe.

4:33pm

Borough of Poole says the main road network accounts for approximately 38 per cent of the roads in Poole. This network has been treated again this afternoon and will be re-gritted again at 9.30pm this evening.
If required Borough of Poole insists it will also grit the main highway network around 7.30am on Saturday.
 

4:31pm

One of our favourite pictures from today; Luella from Branksome with her snow cat! You can find more reader pictures here

4:30pm

Mr Legg added: “We will continue to monitor the weather and our staff will be on standby to treat Poole’s priority road network as required.
“We urge people using footpaths and roads across the borough to take extra care.”

4:29pm

Seems like there's been quite a few issues relating to trees today.

We've been sent this picture of fallen branches bringing down power cables in West Moors by Sue Lloyd

4:28pm

Borough of Poole streetscene manager Simon Legg has told the Daily Echo: “We prepared as much as possible for the wintry weather and are happy that our precautionary measures went according to plan.
“Our main highway network remained open, especially in periods of heavy snowfall.
“We are extremely grateful to our staff for keeping Poole moving.”

4:17pm

We've just had a press release through from Dorset County Council, who say around 1,300 tonnes of grit have been put down in the last 24 hours.

Although no more major snowfalls are expected overnight, they will be back out laying more grit and salt in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Farmers have been working alongside highways teams to keep traffic moving today. Agricultural vehicles have been helping to plough roads badly affected by the snow, and ‘snow blowers’ have also been employed.

Gritting lorries are this afternoon tackling trouble spots and community link roads to schools, hospitals and isolated communities, before returning to the most main routes to remove excess slush ahead of the anticipated freeze tonight.

4:10pm

We've been sent this picture of Anthony Boni with a 60 foot tree that's fallen over in Broadstone

3:54pm

An update on gritting from Bournemouth Council:

3:31pm

3:10pm

2:53pm

We've had another update on Southampton Airport, where it is continuing to snow heavily:

We are monitoring the weather in conjunction with the met office and currently the snow is due to continue until after 15:00. Therefore the runway continues to be closed and the earliest it is likely to be open is 17:00.

Public buses to the airport have been cancelled and there is a reduced train service running.

Passengers planning to travel today should continue to check with their airlines for the latest information prior to coming into the airport. Passengers requiring the latest information on Flybe flights can find this here.

2:34pm

It seems a good time to remind you of the five point advice from NHS Bournemouth and Poole, particularly as there are warnings for ice in place over the weekend:

1. Stay indoors in snow and ice, unless you really have to go outside. This is especially important for the old and frail.
2. Grit and clear the paths near where you live, if you are fit and capable. (Don’t use water to do this.) You are very unlikely to be sued if anyone slips.
3. Report particularly dangerous ice on paths to the council.
4. If you have to go out, wrap up well.
5. Staying indoors, keep the heating on, and keep wrapped up.

2:22pm

A BABY has been born at Swanage Hospital for the first time in three decades, after mum Sinaed Mellor went into labour but discovered the road to Poole Hospital was blocked due to snow.
Sinead, from Swanage, went into labour early this morning. After being forced to turn back at Corfe Castle her father-in-law rushed her to Swanage Hospital's minor injury unit.
Baby Kyran, weighing 6lb 9oz, was delivered at 9.50am.
Both mum and baby are doing well.
 

1:57pm

Things look pretty much back to normal at the George Roundabout in Poole. Snow has stopped falling and traffic is quite light.

1:48pm

Here's that video we promised earlier on Bournemouth council's gritting operation:

1:39pm

South West Trains, who are operating a revised timetable today, have put out a press release to say they are also planning on running a revised timetable tomorrow too:

Plans have now been announced to continue the revised timetable into tomorrow (Saturday 19 January), 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.”

You can view the revised timetable here

1:30pm

Snowfall has come to an end in Bournemouth town centre but it is still going in other places across the county:

1:26pm

1:18pm

You can see where the Echo photographers have been busy taking pictures this morning in our gallery here

We'll also have video of the gritting operation we were invited out on earlier today online very shortly

1:03pm

12:41pm

The weather has kept shoppers away in Poole but sounds as if people were getting ready for the snow yesterday. We've just had this from reporter Di Henderson:

There are more staff than customers in Poole’s Dolphin Centre shops, however yesterday was said to have been “like Christmas” as residents stocked up for the forecast snow.

12:14pm

We've just had an update on the gritting situation in Poole:

Borough of Poole gritters have been out spreading grit along the major road network from 4am.

Herbert Avenue was done in the morning and the gritters will be out again throughout the day, says the council.

Staff have been going around re-filling the 50-plus grit bins stationed around the town.

The bus stop outside Poole Hospital, the link between the train station and the bus station, the crematorium at Gravel Hill and Poole Housing Partnership sheltered schemes have all been gritted.

12:13pm

12:13pm

12:10pm

Here is the latest statement from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service:

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) has practical plans in place to ensure its emergency response during this period of inclement weather, but it is also urging residents to play their part in keeping safe.

With the current freezing conditions, operational staff and equipment, including vehicles with off-road capability, are ready to respond to fires and other emergencies across the county.

The Service is working in close collaboration with partners such as South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Constabulary, local authorities and other agencies.

Members of the public are also being urged to play their part by being good neighbours and particularly looking out for elderly and vulnerable members of the community. Checking on them and seeing if they need any shopping, so they don't have to make any unnecessary journeys. 

Help to ensure they are keeping warm and clear their driveways of ice and snow, so their carers can access them safely, or if older residents do choose to venture out make sure they can do so safely.

Residents planning journeys for later today are advised to reconsider venturing out if their journey is not essential, with further snow expected until around 3pm today and overnight temperatures dipping to below freezing leading to icy roads and pavements.

If you do have to travel make sure you have warm clothes and a blanket, food, water, boots, a torch, spade and a fully charged mobile phone. You should also let someone know your route and when you expect to arrive.

11:57am

How's this for a cool snowman? Lexie Granville with her snow surfer in Bournemouth

11:42am

Police say Poole's Herbert Avenue and Ringwood Road are impassable. They also say many roads in and around Swanage are also impassable due to the weather.

11:37am

The weather appears to be easing in Poole.

11:17am

An update from Southampton Airport:

It is still snowing at Southampton Airport with the airport remaining closed until 15:00 and all Flybe and Aurigny flights before 14:00 cancelled. Our operational team are still working hard to clear the snow.

Flights from Southampton Airport this morning have been cancelled to the following destinations: Amsterdam, Manchester, Limoges, Guernsey, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Dusseldorf, Rennes, Nantes, Hannover and Jersey.

Passengers planning to travel today should continue to check with their airlines for the latest information prior to coming into the airport.

11:16am

The snow is falling much harder in Poole Town Centre now.

11:16am

11:14am

That accident at Ringwood seems to have cleared, with our traffic feed reporting normal driving conditions again. However eastbound the traffic is still very slow, all the way to Cadnam.

All the traffic latest is at bournemouthecho.co.uk/traffic

11:07am

Refuse and recycling collections have been suspended for Bournemouth today. The council are hoping to carry out collections tomorrow.

11:06am

Some more footage from Boundary Road:

11:05am

Wareham Library will remain closed all day due to the adverse weather

11:05am

A Purbeck District Council spokesman said: “Due to the weather, rubbish and recycling services have been suspended in Purbeck for today.
“Weather permitting, we will be catching up next week with today's collections being carried out on Monday 21 January and subsequent collections later next week."
 

11:04am

Most of Purbeck’s schools have been closed all day, including the district’s four middle schools and The Purbeck School, Wareham.

11:03am

@Bournemouthecho the perfect snowman! http://t.co/iDliidx8

— @louis_bitch 18 January 2013

11:02am

Here's a pic from Dave Bursey in Broadtsone that purports to show they've had 9cm there.

11:00am

11:00am

Not all the schools are closed. Here are some Year five pupils at Kinson Primary enjoying the snow on the school field.

10:57am

10:56am

Here's some footage of the tree down at Boundary Road from Sally:

10:55am

10:53am

Our gallery of your pictures is building up nicely - thanks everyone!

We're adding to it all the time but you can see what we've had sent in so far here

We like this photo of Max the labrador enjoying the snow

10:50am

Here's some video from photographer Sally Adams of Ashley Road in Poole gridlocked earlier this morning:

10:49am

We're just loading some video of the tree down, but in the meantime, here's some people sledging in Corfe Mullen.

10:46am

Photographer Sally Adams has just sent this picture of the tree that's fallen on Boundary Road.

10:45am

Residents say a number of cars have been skidding out of control along Poole's Alder Road all morning. One Good Samaritan, belived to be a local man, has been running up and down the hill warning drivers. Childminder Natalie O'Brien, who lives opposite, said: "There would have been lots more accidents if it wasn't for this man. He's been doing a fantastic job. Some of the cars have been doing 360 degree spins."

10:39am

And here's a pic from Blandford, sent by Kerri Cavendish.

10:38am

Households and businesses in Harman's Cross, near Swanage, were left without power from 6.30am until 10am. Polly Smith, of Blue Bay Events, says the supply remains intermittent.

10:37am

And another from Poole Park!

10:36am

Another snowman, this time from Alder Road.

10:32am

Dorset CC are reporting the A35 has reopened in both directions. However, Dorset Police disagree: 

A35 Dorchester to Bridport still closed due to snow. Some drivers ignoring the closure. Don't take the risk, stay safe.

— @dorsetpolice 18 January 2013

10:26am

10:25am

10:19am

Poole's Nuffield Household Waste Recycling Cente has been closed. However, council bosses will review this decision later today.

10:17am

Refuse and recycling collections in Poole have been cancelled. A spokesman said: "The decision is based upon the forecast weather and the current conditions of both roads and footpaths in areas due for collection today."

10:16am

Dorset Police have put out the following statement:

Dorset Police and partners are working together to clear the affected roads as quickly as possible and are advising people not to drive unless it is absolutely necessary.

Many roads are closed due to the severe weather conditions.

• A35 Dorchester to Bridport road is closed both ways due to the severe weather conditions
• A35 Dorchester to Bere Regis has long delays due to the weather conditions
• A3066 Beaminster Tunnel remains closed due to a large land slip last year

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.”

10:14am

10:11am

10:11am

10:11am

10:11am

10:09am

And another snowman!

10:09am

Snow on Saffron Way, sent in by a reader.

10:07am

Our traffic feed is working again. All incidents now live here 

10:05am

A reader pic from Christchurch graveyard.

10:03am

The Orchard Cafe at Holme For Gardens garden centre, West Holme Farm, near Wareham, will remain closed all day due to the weather. A spokesman said: "We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you again."

10:02am

9:56am

Traffic is moving well through Poole Civic Centre, Parkstone Road and Towngate Bridge, Poole.

9:56am

We've just been getting reaction to the snow from people in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens:

Overnight worker Edrien Esgeris, 33, of Bournemouth said: “I like it because I’m Brazilian and where I’m from, in Santos, you don’t get snow like this. I am just out taking photographs now because I wanted to see the snow.”

A 38-year-old man from Bournemouth who didn't want to be named said: “It’s great; I haven’t seen snow for months as I’m from the North-West and we don’t get that much snow. I love it.” 

‘Ronny’, 31, the operator of the Bournemouth Balloon in the Winter Gardens said: “In Latvia, this is normal, but I just have to look after the balloon today and obviously it won’t be operating.

Nationwide employee ‘Sidney’ ,47, of Bournemouth, on his way home from work, said: “It’s not frequently here so it’s good to see. It’s quite different for me to see. I like it.”

9:55am

Borough of Poole reports 21 of the district’s schools have closed due to the adverse weather. Visit www.poole.gov.uk for details.

9:54am

Drivers are still reporting difficulties on numerous Poole side roads. Many are avoiding Durrant Road, Lower Parkstone – usually a popular rat run.

9:45am

A reader picture from Branksome...

9:44am

We're told a road accident at Harmans Cross has brought power cables down.

9:44am

The Angelo Rodrigues murder trial at Winchester Crown Court has been adjourned until Monday due to the weather so there will be no live coverage today.

It is business as normal at Bournemouth Crown Court today.

9:43am

9:43am

9:43am

9:42am

If you're off school today, we want to see pictures of your snowmen!

Send them to us at digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk or text them to 80360, starting your message with BE.

You can also upload them from Facebook via our Send Your News form

Don't forget to tell us who you are!

9:31am

9:29am

9:25am

9:24am

Wimborne Hill in Wimborne Minster and Ulwell Road, Swanage are both closed because of snow.

9:23am

9:22am

Photographer Corin Messer filmed this footage in Christchurch a little earlier on:

9:20am

Here's what Southbourne looked like about 8am, sent in by Jennie Franklin

9:19am

9:15am

Lauren Stubbs and Olivia Stubbs of Poole make the most of the snow.

9:13am

9:11am

Dorset for You now up and running.

Update on schools. 85 closed. QE at Wimborne and Sturminster Newton High open for exams. No school transport to them though.

9:10am

Lytchett Minster, as taken by Michelle Luther, from our picture desk

9:09am

It is snowing heavily at Southampton Airport this morning and there will be no flights operating until 15:00 today.

So far there have been cancellations to the following flights: Amsterdam, Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

The operational team at Southampton Airport have been working through the night to prepare for the snow and the snow ploughs are currently clearing the runway. However, snow is expected to continue throughout the day.

Passengers planning to travel today should check with their airlines for the latest information prior to coming into the airport.

9:05am

9:05am

9:04am

We've just heard from reporter Paula Roberts who is on the A31 eastbound near Ringwood and has said traffic is at a standstill.

8:56am

8:45am

8:45am

Snow settles on Balmoral Road in Poole

8:44am

8:43am

8:41am

All rubbish and recyling collections are also suspended today in Bournemouth.

PLS RT: All refuse & recycling collections suspended today. Hope to collect tomorrow; if not, we'll take more with your next collection.

— @bournemouthbc 18 January 2013

8:40am

Bournemouth Council have just posted this about pedestrian safety:

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: Our teams are out hand gritting as many priority pedestrian areas as they can - GP surgery accesses, shopping areas etc. Even so, please avoid going out unless essential (it's brrrrr out there!), stay safe and wrap up warm.

8:38am

Mike Harries, Deputy Director DCC, 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.

8:36am

Here's some video from Ashley Cross Green.

8:35am

We're getting reports of a lot of very slow traffic around Bournemouth and Poole, at County Gates and Ashley Heath especially.

8:31am

8:30am

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8:28am

Some video Steve took this morning of an RTC in Parkstone.

8:26am

Grace Martin, aged 4, from Christchurch

8:20am

8:19am

Lots of of snow on the roads at Highcliffe and Christchurch. Cars skidding according to motorists.

8:15am

Blizzard conditions in Wareham. on the way eastwards.

8:15am

8:14am

Rushcombe First School closed, Corfe Mullen.

8:14am

8:09am

8:06am

8:03am

8:02am

Reporter Steve Smith is out and about - a branch just broke off over his head. Lesson: don't stand under any trees.

8:00am

7:59am

Corin Messer has just sent this picture from Christchurch.

7:52am

7:46am

7:46am

Apparently there are two buses stuck in Lancaster Drive, Broadstone.

7:43am

7:43am

Do let us know what it's like where you are. And obviously we'd love to see your pictures. You can email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk or click send your news at the top of the page.

7:39am

7:31am

By the way, if you were trying to get the school closed list on the county council's website, they're having technical problems but should be up and running soon.

7:26am

A reminder that Hampshire POlice is asking people to staying off the roads this morning. If you are driving, read our driving advice here and remember: full tank, charged mobile, warm clothes, a sack or rug in case you get stuck and food if you really have to drive.

7:24am

We're trying to get a statement from the bus companies about the general state of things out there, by the way.

7:19am

7:19am

Blandford seems to have been hoit hard by snow. More Bus are saying they can't run any service there at all.

7:14am

6:58am

6:54am

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6:53am

Here's the school closures as we have them now.

6:43am

6:43am

South West Trains is running a revised service, with only one train an hour between Bournemouth and Weymouth and a two per hour between Bournemouth and London Waterloo.

There will be no trains stopping at Beaulieu Road and a revised service between Lymington and Brockenhurst.

You can see the full revised timetable here

6:41am

A reminder of the forecast for the rest of the day

Bournemouth: Snow forecast from about 6am until 2pm, with heavy snow from 9am. After that it's likely to turn to sleet.

Poole: Heavy snow from 7am ish until 11am, when it should turn to sleet.

Ringwood and Verwood: Heavy snow all day

Blandford and Wimborne: Heavy snow from 6am until about 4pm, when it will lighten

Swanage: Heavy snow from 7am until 1pm, when it will tail off and turn to sleet.

West Dorset will have heavy snow from 6am until 2pm then light snow for the rest of the day.

6:40am

6:34am

6:33am

Morning. As predicted, snow has fallen across Dorset. We're just getting the latest info on school closures and public transport. In the meantime, let us know what it's like where you are in the comments, or using the send your news button at the top of the page.