Snow starts falling over Brighton and Hove during rush hour

Snow is falling across Brighton and Hove and the Met Office expects it to continue on and off until the early hours of tomorrow (Saturday 19 January).

Train companies Southern and First Capital Connect warned commuters from Brighton, Hove and Portslade that they faced disruption with timetables revised in advance.

They said that passengers should allow more time for their journeys and check their websites for cancellations before setting off.

The Highways Agency issued an amber alert and warned drivers to be prepared for heavy snowfall in places this morning. It asked them to consider whether their journey was necessary.

Brighton and Hove Buses said that a number of services had been affected, mostly in the hilly suburbs.

They include the number 1 and 1A, 2 and 2A, 5, 5A and 5B, 6, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27, 37, 38, 46, 50, 55 and 81.

The bus company website www.buses.co.uk has details of which services are running normally, which are restricted and which are not running at all.

School closures

Schools to have closed are

The Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) in Falmer is closed for an “inset” teacher training day.

Children from Hangleton Junior who have been on a trip to Hindleap were due to return at about 10.30am with pupils being dropped off near the Grenadier.

Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We ask people to please check on any elderly and vulnerable neighbours as they may have needs around food, medicine or care.”

Snow settling between 8am and 9am today (Friday 18 January)

The council added: “We encourage residents to ‘shovel, sweep, salt’ to clear pavements and paths when it snows as it is much easier to do before the snow freezes.

“Government advice states it is legally safe for people to do this.

“We recommend you concentrate on steps and slopes and clear snow early in the day to let any sun melt the underlying ice.

“Avoid piling snow in the way of roads and footpaths.

“Table salt can be used to treat surfaces. One tablespoon will treat one square metre. Grit and salt should be used, not hot water which can refreeze.”

Superintendent Grenville Wilson, of Sussex Police’s Operations Department, said: “As snow starts to affect the county Sussex Police is working closely with its partner agencies to ensure there is as little disruption as possible.

Snow settling between 10am and 11am today (Friday 18 January)

“Drivers are reminded to check the weather forecast for the entire length of your journey before setting out and only make a journey if absolutely necessary.

“Completely clear your windscreen of ice and snow before driving and check that your vehicle’s lights are working.

“Carry an emergency pack in your boot – a first aid kit, torch, blanket, food and drink, a tow rope and shovel could all come in useful if you do find yourself getting stuck.

“Also make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone and waterproof shoes.

“When driving in snow and ice you will need to change the way you drive. Your vehicle will not start, stop or steer in the same way it usually does.

“Stopping distances are greatly increased in icy conditions so slow down and keep a bigger distance between you and the vehicle in front.

“Brake or accelerate carefully and gradually and take corners very slowly.

“Pedestrians and cyclists should also ensure they have high-visibility clothing to ensure they are seen by drivers.

“As it is unclear how long the cold weather is going to last we would remind people to check on their more vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are safe and warm.”