Police are telling people stranded on snow affected roads to stay in their vehicles.

It comes as roads across the county have seen motorists abandon cars after becoming stuck for hours.

Chief Inspector Alan Setchell, of Dorset Police, said: “Officers and partner agencies have been working incredibly hard, responding to unprecedented demand throughout the afternoon and into this evening with our control room receiving over 300 calls in the space of 30 minutes.

“We recognise members of the public have experienced difficulties in travelling home and have become stranded on the highway.

"Together with our statutory and voluntary partners we are doing all we can to assist motorists in relation to snow related incidents.

"Officers will continue to provide assistance to members of the public throughout the night and into tomorrow morning.

“I would make a plea to any stranded motorists who have a particular urgent medical need or require immediate assistance to contact us on 101 and give us your precise location so we can assist you as a priority. 

“People are urged to stay in their vehicles and we will get to you as soon as possible.

“We have a number of major routes and other roads affected by the severe weather around the county and I would urge members of the public to avoid travelling if it is at all possible.

“We would also ask motorist to consider whether journeys tomorrow morning are essential as we expect demand on emergency services to continue.”

The A35 Puddletown bypass has been closed both ways between Bere Regis and the Stinsford roundabout at Dorchester.

Around 100 vehicles are currently believed to be stuck on the road and officers are reassuring those involved that the emergency services and other agencies are doing all they can to assist.

Chief Inspector Alan Setchell, of Dorset Police, said: “We want to get a message to all those involved to reassure them that we are fully aware of the situation and the emergency services and partner agencies are making every effort to assist everyone as quick as they can.

“I would make a special plea to anyone who has a particular urgent medical need or requires immediate assistance to contact us on 101 and give us your precise location so we can assist you as a priority.

“People are urged to stay in their vehicles and we will get to you as soon as possible.

“We have a number of major routes and other roads affected by the severe weather around the county and I would urge members of the public to avoid travelling if it is at all possible.”

The A3049 Dorset Way in Poole is also at a standstill with people abandoning cars and trying to reverse and turn around in the road.