THE region was last nightbracing itself for the coldest week of the winter, with more heavy snow and bitterly cold winds set to hit East Anglia from today.

By Danielle Nuttall

THE region was last nightbracing itself for the coldest week of the winter, with more heavy snow and bitterly cold winds set to hit East Anglia from today.

Snow showers have already covered parts of Essex and Suffolk but weather experts are warning the worst is yet to come.

Temperatures over the weekend peaked at about 4C (39F), which was too high to allow snow to lay in most parts, however they are likely to fall to –1C (30F).

EADT weatherman Ken Blowers said yesterday: "We are now in for the coldest week of the winter. There will be bitterly cold easterly winds from northern Europe and Russia and showers of snow and hail in most places all the time.

"Because of the strong sun, if there was any snow during the day it quickly disappears. If the snow showers occur after dark then it will lay on the ground.

"It's all caused by a high pressure belt which is extending from Greenland to Scandinavia. For East Anglia, that means we will have cold easterly winds throughout the week. Winter has really come at the end of the season with a vengeance."

Police were yesterday warning motorists to slow down after the first scattering of snow hit the region.

A force spokeswoman urged motorists to drive according to the conditions.

The NHS is calling on people to take care and to prepare for the cold spell.

Health experts advise that falling temperatures can lead to a higher risk of people catching colds or influenza – or even dying.

Around half of all extra deaths each winter are due to respiratory disease and a third are due to heart disease or strokes.

Meanwhile, sleet, snow and icy winds have already hit northern and eastern Scotland, and south-west England, and parts of Wales.

Similar conditions will prevail in these areas into at least the middle of next week, and snow showers may also reach central regions of England, according to the PA Weather Centre.

The cold snap has come as a shock to those who assumed the worst of the winter was over, particularly as last month was the warmest January for 15 years.

The Highways Agency has advised drivers to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set out and during their journey.

Drivers were also advised to be prepared with a "winter weather kit", including warm clothes, a hot drink, de-icer, a torch and a spade.

The agency said that in severe weather, delaying a journey by a few hours could make the difference between a completed trip and a difficult drive in poor conditions.