Poor weather conditions on the M25 in Kent this afternoon

Wrap up warm... there could be sub-zero temperatures tonight.

That's the forecast as parts of Kent missed the worst of the severe weather and snow today.

Predictions for the region say it will be very cold, with some more snow into the evening. Temperatures could plummet to -2C.

Southeastern said some services from London to the county were being cancelled and others delayed because of snow.

Kent Police also urged motorists to take extra care while the county battled to keep moving in sub-zero conditions.

Southeastern said passengers should plan journeys early and leave extra time to travel as there is disruption on most of its lines in Kent.

Spokesman Sarah Boundy told KentOnline: "We're really urging customers to consider leaving work early and allowing additional time to get home and start planning their journey.

"There's disruption on almost all of our lines. It's not been snowing since about 9am in many places and the snow and bad weather is set to continue.

"Although we ran a good service this morning and people were able to get into London very easily, it's really important now they start to think about making their journey home.

"We will do our very best to make sure everyone gets home, but it's really important people consider the weather conditions and if possible leave early."

A pedestrian braves the weather in Maidstone as (below) snow begins to cover Gravesend's Horn Yard car park

Schools across Kent closed early today after the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the county and forecasters said the white stuff could settle as deep as 10cm in parts, with strong winds leading to snow drifts.

Several schools - mostly in the west of the county - sent pupils home early this afternoon because of the weather.

Among the first to announce closures were Istead Rise Primary, Gravesend; Mascalls School, Paddock Wood; Edenbridge Primary, Edenbridge; and Halstead Community Primary, Halstead.

Keep up-to-date with Kent school closures here

Meanwhile, the snow has led to a series of sporting fixtures being postponed.

Gillingham FC's game away to Rochdale tomorrow has been called off because of a frozen pitch.

And Lordswood FC's tie against County Durham club Spennymoor in the FA Vase - the biggest game in the club's history - is also not taking place.

Elsewhere, justice froze over at Maidstone Crown Court this afternoon with no cases being heard after lunch because of the snow.

Frozen branches at the side of the road in Hythe. Picture: Garry Blackburn

Dozens of gritters were out in force this morning as a band of snow was expected to push across Kent from the west today.

The Met Office's severe weather warning for Kent stretches into the weekend, with more snow showers likely on Saturday and widespread ice into Sunday morning.

Send us your snow pictures by tweeting @Kent_Online or emailing multimedianews@thekmgroup.co.uk.