by Alan Quick

THE Beast from the East hit Crediton again today, Sunday March 18, sparking warnings to the public to travel only if absolutely necessary.

While main roads were passable with care in most areas of the town, some roads in higher areas, and more remote areas, were difficult.

Pavements were covered in several inches of snow and with snow expected to continue this afternoon and overnight, motorists are advised not to travel.

Rail and bus services were stopped earlier this afternoon.

Devon County Council say there are multiple reports of drivers becoming stuck and many roads are closed including the A30 at Whiddon Down and Okehampton and the M5 and A30 at Haldon Hill near Exeter.

DCC said snow is now seriously affecting travel in Exeter, South and East Devon with the following roads affect by collisions:  A358 north of Axminster, A3052 various including Halfway House, A380 – 16 vehicle collisions northbound at Ideford dip and A381 Totnes Road.

The A39 Lynmouth to Porlock is closed.

Snow is expected to continue into Monday early hours and may affect travel on Monday morning in places.

A depth of 5cm more is expected to fall in most places with up to 10-15cm on higher ground.

DCC said road gritters and ploughs have been out throughout the night and most major roads and primary routes are currently open and passable with care but some smaller roads remain blocked or dangerous – particularly on Exmoor and parts of Dartmoor.

The council added that priority for the highways teams today is to keep the major routes open and as clear as possible.

Drivers are being urged to be mindful of the conditions, to only travel if necessary – particularly up on to the moors – and to drive with care.

General advice is:

• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

• Drive with care and according to the conditions;

• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over. NHS Choices has more information on staying healthy during cold weather;

• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions and ensure you are stocked with food and medications

• Check out any school closures and sign up for alerts for any school by clicking on "Alert Me".

All recycling centres across the county are closed, including Punchbowl at Yeoford, near Crediton.

"Freezing temperatures overnight mean a strong chance of widespread ice", said Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk of Devon and Cornwall Police.