Video: Heavy snowfall causes rush hour traffic chaos in Grimsby area (updates)

FOR some it meant sledges, snowmen and winter walks in the park – for others it was "snow" joke as the winter weather caused chaos on the roads.

Heavy snowfall started at lunchtime yesterday, as predicted by the Met Office, which had issued an amber warning for the area.

It caused huge build-ups of traffic on roads leading out of Grimsby in the late afternoon, with traffic over the Cleethorpe Road flyover reaching standstill at about 4.30pm as a lorry, unable to climb the incline, blocked one lane and a car the other.

An AA van was also struggling to make its way over, and other routes out of town – including Peaks Parkway and Bargate were also slow moving.

Drivers reportedly abandoned their cars on steep hills on the Lincolnshire Wolds and train services were disrupted between Lincoln and Grimsby stations.

There were problems between Grimsby and Lincoln after a track circuit failure at about 11.30am, and travellers were forced to use a replacement bus service.

School buses arrived at Caistor Yarborough Academy 45 minutes early in an attempt to get the pupils home before conditions worsened, and gritters were out in force across the whole area.

Jason Longhurst, head of development at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "The crews are continuing to treat the networks and are also ensuring that the secondary routes receive treatment prior to the arrival of the snow.

"We urge everyone to drive sensibly and to ensure that checks are made to ensure that vulnerable and elderly neighbours have everything that they need."

Lincolnshire Police warned people not to travel where possible, and East Midlands Ambulance Service also issued advice, as it usually receives more calls in such conditions.

Dr James Gray, EMAS' medical director, said: "The cold has an adverse affect on many long-term conditions and strenuous activities such as shovelling snow in freezing temperatures can increase the risk of heart attack for those who are already vulnerable.

"Keeping warm is key to keeping well. It's especially important that elderly people heat their homes and have hot meals as they're more vulnerable to the effects of the cold.

"Slips and trips on ice and snow, as well as road traffic accidents due to driving without due care in freezing conditions, account for a large number of calls during winter so be extra careful and not take risks.

"People can make a real difference to elderly neighbours by checking that they're well this winter and offering to help with shopping if it's hard for them to get outside."

But it wasn't all bad news – mum Alison Rodgers was having a great time with her son and daughter.

Alison, 41, of Nelson Way, Grimsby, said: "They have been waiting for the snow to come all winter and they absolutely love it – I love watching them play."

For information on North East Lincolnshire Council services, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk and click on the "winter weather" link.

UPDATES

Schools

Wybers Wood Primary School in Grimsby is closed today due to a broken boiler. Engineers are on site and it is hoped the school will open tomorrow.

No other school closures have been announced in North East Lincolnshire today.

The School Leaver Open Event at Grimsby Institute tonight has been cancelled due to the snow. It has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 5 from 4.30pm to 8pm. For more information contact 0800 315002

Transport

Most major routes are clear. However, hazardous driving conditions have been reported on the A46 Grimsby Road between the B1225 junction in Caistor and Bradley Crossroads in Grimsby, because of ice and snow.

Flights to and from Humberside Airport are currently running to schedule. However, some private services to oil rigs have been cancelled due to the bad weather.

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