THE first snowfall of the winter has already arrived and more is forecast tonight.

The county awoke yesterday to a light dusting of the white stuff and freezing temperatures of just -1C.

Forecasters have warned that Suffolk is likely to see more snowfall overnight tonight.

Steve Western, of Norwich-based Weatherquest, said: “Today is set to be dry and bright but cold.

“There’s another possible risk of snow tonight and into tomorrow morning but it’s very marginal as to whether it will settle.”

Temperatures reached just 3C yesterday with a hard frost overnight as the mercury dipped to -3C on the coast and -5C inland.

Yesterday’s wintry scenes wreaked chaos across Suffolk with lengthy delays on the A12 following two separate accidents.

The first happened on the northbound carriageway at junction 30 for Stratford St Mary when a car crossed the road and overturned at 6.25am.

The second crash was near junction 31 for East Bergholt on the southbound carriageway with a car leaving the road.

It is understood that nobody was injured in either of the collisions.

Suffolk police urged motorists to drive carefully and according to the weather and road conditions and said they were called to six minor accidents and shunts yesterday morning.

The snow, which was heaviest in north Essex, caused disruption to flights to and from Stansted Airport and forced its closure for two-and-a-half hours leaving passengers stranded.

Mark Davison, head of communications for Stansted, said 23 outgoing and 20 incoming flights were cancelled.

He said: “We had the runway open again within two hours which, under the circumstances, we are satisfied with.”

East of England Ambulance Service Trust thanked motorists for using their common sense in the adverse weather conditions.

Glenn Young, head of the health and emergency operations centres, said: “Clearly people are heeding the advice that the police, ourselves and motoring organisations are giving out to take extra care and only to make journeys that are absolutely necessary.”

Mr Young added: “The public should wear appropriate footwear whilst out in icy and snowy conditions to avoid injury especially on ungritted surfaces, and wrap up warm when going outside.”

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n How do you think we could better deal with the snow? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk