Everywhere from Scotland, who suffered with snowfalls of 23 cms and temperatures dropping to minus -10 plus degrees at night, to the West of England, Northwards, and here in the South, as many areas were recorded as having depths of 20 cms or more, it was so bad that nothing could get through as most motorways, major and minor roads became too treacherous to drive on due to heavy falls of snow blocking the roads, and the severe icy conditions that soon developed as temperatures dropped to well below freezing.

Thousands of calls were made to the many break-down services in the last few days, the A.A. commented that the severe weather conditions has made any form of driving practically impossible in every direction on most roads throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

They received a record number of calls, as over 20, 000 were made to their headquarters from drivers, not only caused by accidents, but the many who were trapped in their vehicles in snow drifts, to those just unable to get their vehicles moving, as the snowfall turned to slush, then throughout the freezing conditions turned it into ice, making it impossible for the tyres to get any form of solid grip or traction and get their vehicles on the move.

In every county is was the same story, as motorists tried to get to work despite the warnings given out constantly by the media, but motorists tried their very best, but to no avail.

Hundreds were left stranded in their vehicles overnight in plummeting temperatures, keeping the engine running and the heater on full power to keep them warm, many local residents kindly arrived on the scene to assist those trapped giving them hot drinks and food to sustain them until rescue arrived.

Most, if not all trains in the county of Kent came to a grinding halt, those who commute into London by train came to a disappointing dilemma as they were left at  many of the counties stations waiting for announcements that a train was on it's way, but as most railway lines were blocked by the massive snowfall, the announcement was made that there would be no trains, finally stopping their endeavours at getting into work.

Buses and coaches in many towns slowly came to a halt as the roads became too dangerous to drive on, and for those wanting to take a journey to work had to find alternative means to get there, if they could!

Even the emergency services were in a very difficult situation with the sudden build-up of  ice on the roads, they stated that only severe emergency cases would be attended by the ambulance services and paramedics, but despite this warning to the public, they responded to hundreds of calls, ranging  from car accidents to the elderly desperate for food and assistance, to those who had been injured by falling on the ice.

Police across the whole county of Kent had a full 24 hour job in freezing conditions trying and keep the roads open and the traffic moving, which was sparse on most roads considering the appalling situation with the weather.

Despite the breakdowns and accidents that occurred on many roads throughout Kent, with hundreds of vehicles left stranded in the snow, police had to move them to a secure parking area, away from other traffic that would eventually use the roads once the conditions improved. 

Gatwick airport came to a sudden stop as the blinding snow forced all planes to be grounded until the weather eased and the runways could be cleared, leaving thousands of travellers either sleeping at the airport or finding hotels in the vicinity until the airport authority considered it safe for the aircraft to take-off.

With the freezing conditions set to continue for a while, and the frustration caused by those unable to get to work with the roads being to dangerous to drive on, it seems that many are making the most of the snow.

Hundreds of children across the county are determined to take advantage by having fun and enjoying a great time in the snow as dozens of schools have been closed until the weather clears, thousands of snowmen have been built by parents and children in just about every house and street throughout Kent.

Many hundreds of children have found the ideal place to enjoy the moment by sliding downhill on anything that can be found, from plastic lids to pieces of lino and wooden boards to the modern snowboard and ski's, whatever can be used the youngsters and older ones are determined to enjoy the snow and have fun...while it's still here!

The good news is that the thaw at long last is here in many parts of Kent, and life is getting back to normal after the terrible conditions suffered by us all.

Despite the severe freezing weather, all of us except the children who made the most of the snow in all it's glory are the only ones who probably wish that it was still here, but not to worry there is always the end of the year to look forward to.

But let's all hope that we don't have to suffer the same conditions again due to the roads not being catered for with the due amount of gritting that seemed sadly only too late for all the motorists who got caught up in the worst weather on record for 30 years!!