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- ITV Report
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Live updates
Norfolk Police urge motorists to let them know if they are in danger in the snow
Drivers stranded in the severe weather conditions are being urged to call police on 101 or 999 if they feel in danger.
It comes after several people had to be rescued after becoming stranded in snowdrifts caused by strong windows in areas across the county.
Police and volunteers have gone to the aid of several motorists stranded in the treacherous conditions.
Police say drivers should only travel if absolutely necessary and anyone intending on travelling is urged to plan ahead and tell others about their journey plans.
Since midnight, police have received:
- 150 calls relating to highway obstructions
- 19 damage only RTCs
- Three injury RTCs
"People do seem to be taking heed of the message. However, we’ve attended a number of areas today, particularly in rural locations, where motorists have become stranded. Roads in the more rural locations are heavily affected with areas virtually impassable because of ice and snowdrifts. The reality is that due to the size and nature of the county, there could be other drivers stuck in remote locations we don’t know about. Equally, people in those locations may not know exactly where they are. However, we would ask that you provide emergency services with as much information as you possibly can about your location to help ensure we are able to find you as soon as possible. Our advice to anyone stranded is to make contact with family or friends and make arrangements to get somewhere safe. If you do feel in danger – please call 101 or 999 so we can help you. We are monitoring social media but please don’t rely on this if you are in danger – you need to make that call.”
Police have issued the following points for drivers who do have to travel.
- Plan ahead – check you route on a planner to see the latest traffic updates
- Tell friends or family about your travel plans – inc route – and let them know when you’ve arrived
- Make sure you vehicle is clear of snow/ice, has sufficient fuel and screenwash
- Allow plenty of time for your journey
- Travel at a low speed avoiding sudden braking/steering moves
- Keep a sensible distance between you and the car in front
- Use headlights – do not rely solely on daytime running lights
- If visibility falls below 100m use your fog lights
- Take provisions (blanket, warm clothing, food/water)
- Charge your phone before setting off
- If you get stuck in the snow stay with your car, but in an emergency if you do need to leave it, park it out of the main traffic route, where it won't cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.
The big freeze continues with drifting snow and freezing temperatures
Bitterly cold winds, drifting snow and icy roads combined to create hazardous conditions across the region today.
Roads and rail have been affected, with skidding vehicles and train cancellations. Many workers struggled to travel and again, hundreds of our schools were closed.
Click below to watch our report from Natalie Gray
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Forget snowmen... architects build scale models of Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral
With the battle for best 'Beast of the East' snowman raging - architects in Norfolk have taken things a step further.
LSI Architects decided to put their construction skills to use in the freezing temperatures - and built a scale model of Norwich Castle.
"We used a few things lying around in the office as moulds to build our own snow version of Norwich castle – complete with castle mound and bridge and other details that make it so recognisable.
"We’ve been amazed by the response on social media to something that was just us having a bit of fun in the snow.”
But then things got a bit competitive.
After checking out the snow castle, fellow Norwich firm Chaplin Farrant decided to raise the bar even further.
Its architects and engineers spent their lunchtime constructing a full scale model of Norwich Cathedral - complete with its own icicle spire.
Our Tanya's stuck in the snow
Many villages in Suffolk and Norfolk remain shut off.
Rural areas are the worst affected with the wind blowing snow drifts across open countryside and across roads.
Our reporter Tanya Mercer lives in the countryside north of Bury St Edmunds and attempted to reach the A14.
Here's a video diary of how she got on.
- ITV Report
Bitter day as sugar factory virtually cut off by snow
Cantley is a village that is virtually cut off. Local farmers have been trying to free beet lorries.
Read the full story ›The village where they are used to being snowed in
People in the village of Aldborough near Cromer are used to being snowed in.
In 1987 they were cut off for a week by 10 foot snow drifts.
Our reporter Natalie Gray lives there now - and has sent us this report on how they're coping in the current cold snap.
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- ITV Report
Drivers warned not to travel unless absolutely necessary
Drivers are urged to watch out for black ice on the roads, after a number of incidents have been reported on main A roads and motorways.
Read the full story ›Heavy snow forces Norwich airport to close
The runway at Norwich airport has been forced to close, because of the extreme weather conditions.
Staff will be clearing and de-icing the runway this morning and will update passengers at 8.30am as to whether or not it is safe to use.
Customers are advised to contact their airline directly with any queries regarding individual flights and public transport options to and from the airport are extremely limited.
Our alternative look at the wintry weather
- Video report by ITV News Anglia's Andy Ward
The Beast from the East has caused all manner of problems - but the white stuff has also provided plenty of entertainment too!
We've been looking at the brighter side of the wintry weather.
Beast from the East causes chaos across the region
The Beast from the East has battered our region with up to 30cm of snow and what could be the coldest spell for more than two decades.
On the roads there have been a number of crashes, closures and commuter misery with people struggling to get to work
There have been more than a thousand school closures, with Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex the worst hit - and many taking full advantage of a break from lessons.
Our stretched emergency services have reported a spike in calls and a warning that there could be even worse to come.
Click below for Kate Prout's report