Temperatures could fall as low as minus four, forecasters say Commuters are braced for travel chaos after forecasters predicted significant snowfall over south-east England. The Met Office has issued an early warning and said travel networks may be affected by snow on Friday. Up to 10cm of snow may fall on low ground and 20cm over hills in Essex, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London and parts of East Anglia, forecasters say. Heavy snow is also forecast in parts of central and northern England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Snow showers are expected to start on the east coast on Thursday afternoon, with bands of snow then spreading across the south east into Friday morning. BBC weather forecaster Philip Avery said the amount of snow forecast is similar to the amount that fell in 2003, trapping thousands of drivers on the M11 and M25. Road salt row He said: "This is going to affect the M25, M26 and M11 in places. The Highways Agency, given the early warning, should be on the case... but it's the first dump of the season and we seem to struggle on these occasions." Strong north to north-easterly winds would also cause some snow to drift, he added. ADVICE TO ROAD USERS Do not travel in severe weather unless journey is essential Check local and national weather forecasts before setting out and take warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade Drive with care even after roads are salt treated and keep your distance - it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions Source: Highways Agency The Highways Agency said it had 94 winter maintenance compounds across England, with 25 in the South East, and was able to salt treat all roads within three hours of severe forecasts. A spokesman told the BBC: "The snowfall in February was the worst the UK has seen for at least 18 years and was a tough test of our winter preparations. "The Highways Agency was well prepared for the severe weather and working with central government, was able to help a number of local highway authorities experiencing difficulties with shortfalls in their salt levels." But earlier this week, the AA motoring organisation said half of the UK's local authorities only had enough road salt for six days of continuous freezing. It said councils had 250,000 tonnes less salt than a decade ago - a claim dismissed as "scaremongering" by the Local Government Association. The Highways Agency has advised drivers to carry out simple vehicle checks before setting out, to carry a severe weather emergency kit in their vehicles, and to monitor the traffic and weather conditions. Forecasters have already warned of very cold weather this week, with temperatures falling as low as minus four.
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Herts today. 

As of 23:56 GMT, many parts of the United Kingdom are experiencing heavy snowfall, with many other parts bracing themselves for the first widespread cold snap and heavy snow falls of the winter. During the afternoon of the 17th snow had already started to fall across parts of Northern and Eastern England. In London the Met Office issued the warnings, for the following areas. Gale force winds are also predicted areas of heavy snow fall could lead to drifting.

*North East England  	     Heavy Snow  	1600 Thu 17  	0800 Fri 18
*Yorkshire & Humber 	     Heavy Snow 	1600 Thu 17 	0800 Fri 18 Heavy Snow 	1930 Thu 17 	0800 Fri 18
*East Midlands 	             Heavy Snow 	1930 Thu 17 	0800 Fri 18
*East of England 	     Heavy Snow 	1800 Thu 17 	0800 Fri 18 Heavy Snow 	1930 Thu 17 	0800 Fri 18
*London & South East England  Heavy Snow 	1800 Thu 17 	0800 Fri 18

Other areas where expect to experience over night lows down as far as -4 c in rural areas. On the coast Liverpool was expecting temperatures of -2, whilst further in land -3 was expected, by Midnight on the 17th Liverpool was experiencing light snow showers.

The weather for Friday is predicted to remain cold possibly allowing any snow that remains at dawn to last throughout the day.

According to National Rail Enquires, some rail services in East Anglia were suspended,  noting there was the possibility of disruption to other services.

The proximity of Christmas has caused bookmakers to reassess the odds of a White Christmas. Ladbrokes is giving odds on London at 2/1. While Glasgow is at 2/1, Aberdeen 11/8 and  Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin and Manchester are quoted at 11/4.