More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
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First came the snow - now comes the ice.
North Kent was brought to a virtual standstill yesterday as it struggled to cope with the largest snow fall in 18 years.
But today the problem, according to the Met Office and Highways officials, will be the ice left behind.
On Monday trains were left at a standstill, schools cloads and roads treacherous as Kent shivered in sub-zero temperatures.
Up to 10 centimetres (four inches) of snow fell in parts of the county - and snow continued to fall throughout the day.
For some children the unexpected holiday caused great excitement with many gathering to make snowmen and use sledges.
Several retailers in Gravesend and Dartford closed early yesterday following concerns that staff would not be able to get home as Arriva bus service was struggling to run a full service.
But despite very little new snow overnight, a second day of disruption is being predicted.
Many schools remain closed today while train operators continue to offer a reduced service because of the cold snap.
Passengers are being urged to call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 before setting out.
Motorists are being advised to watch their speed and be aware of black ice - particularly on many of the area's smaller and currently untreated roads.
Darent Valley Hospital's patient ambulance service, which ferries qualifying people to hospital appointments, was not operating yesterday. The service will be monitored over the next few days and resumed as soon as weather conditions improve.
The hospital reported disruption to some of its surgical procedures - mainly due to patients not able to reach the Darenth Wood Road site - but said its A&E department had not experienced higher levels of demand as a result of yesterday's Arctic conditions.
Mobile breast screening units were also affected - with all of yesterday's appointments cancelled at Bluewater and Strood.
The NHS hopes to resume the service today. Everyone who had appointments disrupted will be contacted to reschedule.
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Useful links
~ Get the latest weather information from the Met Office >>>
~ The latest road information from the Highways Agency >>>
~ Transport for London website >>>
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