Snow and heavy rain have brought disruption to parts of Suffolk and north-east Essex today, with homes left without power and flood warnings issued near rivers. We have the latest weather forecast here. Send us your photos of the wintry scenes.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning of rain for the East of England from 11am to 3pm today.
It states: “Rain, occasionally heavy, is expected to continue into this afternoon. Bus and train services will probably be affected whilst spray and flooding on roads will also make journey times longer. Flooding of a few homes or individual properties is possible.”
Snow has settled in many parts of north-east Essex and in some areas of west Suffolk.
There is also flooding on the A14 westbound, on the inside lane between junctions 47 (Elmswell) and 45 in west Suffolk. It was reported to police at 8.55am. No closures have been put in place and Highways England officials are carrying out repair work at the scene. Average speeds in the area have fallen to 10mph, the AA is reporting.
• Power cuts affect over 250 homes and businesses in Suffolk.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has issued a flood alert of the areas of Suffolk surrounding the rivers Deben and Lark. It is the lowest category of the three types of flood warnings.
The alert, issued at 7.35am today, states: “This message has been issued because of the steady rainfall over the last 12 hours. This means that river levels are expected to continue to rise slightly over the next few hours in the Cretingham area but fall further upstream at Debenham.
“The river is likely to react quickly to any further rain later today. The forecast is for continued rainfall throughout today. We are expecting river levels to rise and remain high until this evening.
“Property flooding due to high river levels is not expected, but there may be some issues with surface water flooding. We will continue to closely monitor levels and update this message as necessary.
“Be careful of surface water which may have ponded on small local roads.”
This morning, Richard Jones, forecaster at Weatherquest, said: “There is a band of rain, sleet and snow moving eastwards, and I suspect there will be snow for Suffolk from now until midday, particularly western parts away from the coast.
“Ipswich could see some snow falling this morning. It will likely be a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow. I don’t expect much of it to settle. It might cover cars and it will possibly cause some disruption.
“The temperature in Ipswich at the moment is 4C (39.2F) but that will probably be the warmest it will be today. It could fall to 2C (35.6F), as well as in western parts of the county.
“From around midday, it will gradually tend to dry up this afternoon. It will be largely cloudy with the odd (rain) shower.
“There is a risk of ice overnight tonight. This band of rain, sleet and snow will be clearing away to the east and skies will be clear, and overnight it could fall to -2C (28.4F).
“There will be a frosty, icy start to the day with more potential to cause disruption than today.”
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds said on Twitter: “Please take extra care if out and about today. In the snow and cold weather pavements can get very cold and slippery - please wrap up warm, and wear sensible shoes to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.”
Met Office outlook for East Anglia
Today
Outbreaks of rain, sleet and wet snow will gradually ease away east through the day, but could persist across eastern coastal parts until the evening. Drier, brighter conditions follow, however it will be cold, with strong winds, and coastal gales. Maximum temperature 5C.
Tonight
Any lingering rain or sleet will ease, with a dry night and clearing skies following. However it will be cold, with the brisk breeze continuing, and frost likely by dawn. Minimum temperature -2C.
Thursday
A dry, fine and sunny day is expected. Whilst the recent brisk winds will ease, it will remain cold. Maximum temperature 4C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Frosty start Friday, before rain spreads east later. Further rain early Saturday, with breezy, much milder weather following. Overnight rain then clears early Sunday, but staying windy with showers likely.
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