Fears of widespread disruption caused by snow and ice across the region appeared to ease early on Saturday morning with just a light dusting across some parts of Suffolk and Essex.
There is still a Met Office Yellow Warning – the lowest level of warning – in place for snow showers across the region today, but there were few problems for motorists early in the morning.
It had turned colder overnight – but car thermometers were still in positive territory first thing although the temperature is forecast to drop during the day.
The yellow weather warning is set to remain in place until after 11pm tomorrow night.
A spokesman for Suffolk police said there had been no early reports of problems on the roads from any weather-related incidents overnight.
Dan Holley from Norwich-based forecasters Weatherquest said the worst of the snow on Saturday was likely to fall in parts of Essex – but stressed this was no repeat of the conditions we had at the start of the month.
He said: “There has been a front go through with a light dusting, but that’s all really. However there could be more later in the day and some small accumulations overnight into Sunday morning.”
But any snow is not expected to last. Mr Holley said: “When the sun comes out on Sunday afternoon and gets to work it should start to go – and from the start of the working week temperatures should start going up by a degree or two every day and we should be back to something more normal.”
Public Health England (PHE) has reiterated its reminder to Suffolk and north Essex residents to look out for others, particularly elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
David Edwards, consultant in health protection at PHE East, said: “The weather has felt much milder for the last week or so in the east of England but this weekend the forecasters tell us it will get much colder again.
“That may come as a shock to the system for some whose bodies may struggle to cope in cold weather.
“It’s worth remembering that cold temperatures – indoors and outdoors - can affect health, particularly in young children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions.
“So if you know someone in any of these groups, and most of us do, please keep an eye on them over the coming days.
“Pop in on vulnerable neighbours and make them a hot drink and check they’re heating their homes to at least 18C. These small things can make a big difference to someone’s health and wellbeing.”
Ipswich Borough Council has also activated its emergency bed scheme until further notice.
While the snowfall hasn’t been as severe as initially expected, it has already had an impact on events locally.
St Helena Hospice has postponed its annual Comic Hero Run - due to be held tomorrow - as a result of the poor weather forecast and has rescheduled it to April 8.
St Nicholas Hospice has also postponed its Battle of the Knights event, due to take place tomorrow. A statement posted on its website read: “We regret to inform everyone that we have been beaten by the weather and have reluctantly had to make the disappointing decision to cancel Battle of the Knights II, which was due to take place on Sunday (18 March).
“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and we hope to arrange a new date as soon as possible.”
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