Photo Blog - Shepway Snow

Took a few pics - feel free to take and use if you like , be nice and link back.

On Wednesday night I tried to get to Whitfield, but by the time I set off travel around Folkestone was a no-no. The A20 / M20 had been jammed solid for hours, traffic was grinding to a halt on hills and causing severe problems in the town.

The tailback from the A20 closure went right up Cherry Garden Avenue.

Despite heavy snow and roads like ice rinks, some drivers seemed unable to adapt to the conditions, with four 'almost' collisions and much beeping and swearing while I walked along the road, including a mini going sideways at one point.

The snowfalls came and went, and would sometimes reduce visibility with only lights visible. Both the shots below are from Cherry Garden Avenue.

Thursday morning sees thick snow on the ground. The local radio station has nearly endless weather updates, traffic news and school closures. All the roads up hills are closed, trains aren't running and the whole area seems to have ground to a halt.

Sadly I can hotdesk from an office in Folkestone, so ever the diligent employee I don my walking boots and set off.

On the walk in the roads are amazingly quiet. Very few cars are on the roads, and as reported, heavy lorries have become stuck on all the hills I pass. No amount of scraping snow away from the road surface gets them to move, with the cabs gently swaying as the drive wheels spin.

Many stay in this position for hours, blocking main routes around the town. The pic is two lorries blocking Dover Hill.

Predictably many shops and businesses were closed. Folkestone Sports Centre car park was empty, though the creaking sounds of the ski lift indicated some were probably enjoying the chance to practice on the real thing.

I managed to duck into Cheriton cemetery, where the mottled headstones and statues were lent a serene beauty with a blanket of fresh white snow.

To keep up to date with the latest traffic news, go to the BBC or the Kent Police site. Further reports are at Romney Marsh Times.

Latest on Thursday night - treacherous conditions as temperature falls. Long queues just about everywhere on major roads. Five mile tailback to get into Dover with some traffic being turned back. Lorries are blocking the sliproad to exit the M20 at Capel and Operation Stack is in operation.

Don't travel unless absolutely necessary, take a blanket, a mobile phone and a bit of food. Don't take any risks, be light on the pedals, use the gears to regulate speed and allow 10x the ususal stopping distance.

Feels a bit pompous saying that as of course everyone knows it already...at least I thought so till I saw the Cherry Garden junction yesterday!