THE region is braced for the worst of the cold snap todayas the "sting in the tail" of the winter continues.Heavy snowfall is expected across Suffolk and Essex tonight, with temperatures plummeting to as low as –5C (23F).

THE region is braced for the worst of the cold snap todayas the "sting in the tail" of the winter continues.

Heavy snowfall is expected across Suffolk and Essex tonight, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -5C (23F).

Highways bosses said they were prepared for the onset of treacherous conditions on the roads and would be able to cope with the effects of the cold weather.

Ken Blowers, EADT weatherman said there was no sign of an end of the cold spell that has hit the region.

"There have been north-westerly winds, which are going round to northerly winds. As soon as that happens we will see snow showers coming off the North Sea," he said.

"It will be worst tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, with the eastern half of East Anglia at the greatest threat.

"There will be a sharp frost at night, and temperatures will go down to about -3C(26F). In the western half of Suffolk and Essex, it could be as low as -5C (23F).

"There could be about an inch of snow, or maybe even more. Often when we have had a mild winter, there is a sting in the tail, and that is what we are seeing now."

Mr Blowers said the highest temperature yesterday had been 3C (38F), when normal temperatures for this time of year are around 8C (46F).

He added: "There's no sign to the end of the cold spell yet, and it will be the same again at the beginning of next week."

A spokeswoman for Suffolk County Council said all A and B roads were gritted from 6pm last night and 4.30am this morning.

She said further decisions would be taken today after inspecting the conditions and added: "Even though the roads are being gritted, they will not be ice-free and we are advising drivers to take care."

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said there were 25 operational and four reserve snowplough gritters stationed in the region.

"The agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted," she added.

"Since the start of this winter and we have dealt with some serious weather conditions on the roads.

"All motorways and trunk roads will be pre-salted and we will do our best to ensure all motorways and trunk roads in England remain open during the bad conditions."