Storm Darcy: Schools shut, vaccination centres closed and weather warnings for Essex
Heavy snowfall has brought disruption to the county
Last updated 8th Feb 2021
Storm Darcy continues to bring disruption across Essex today as multiple schools and vaccination centres shut.
An amber weather warning has been in place over the weekend and is due to lift at midday today (8th February).
But, a yellow weather warning from the Met Office will replace it and last until midnight on Wednesday (10th February).
Disruption
The snowfall meant some vaccination hubs had to shut yesterday and we've been told a number will stay closed today including:
- Jobserve Community Stadium, Colchester
- Clacton Hospital
But, the hub at St Helena Hospice in Tendring, Clacton is due to stay open for pre-booked vaccination appointments only.
The snow will also cause disruption to recycling and rubbish collections in Colchester this week.
Colchester Borough Council has said a "very limited service is likely to operate for the rest of this week", because of the continued freezing weather forecast.
Householders are being told to put their bins and containers out on their scheduled collection days as normal.
If no collection service is provided by 5.30pm on that day, then they should take them back to their property until the following scheduled collection day.
But, residents are asked not to call the council if their bin is not collected as they will have a note of all properties it has been unable to collect from.
School closures
Lots of schools have had to shut because of the weather conditions too.
This means children of keyworkers will not be able to attend classrooms today.
The full list can be found here.
Essex Police advice
Officers are urging motorists not to travel unless it's essential.
The force is working with partners to grit and clear roads but routes remain dangerous across the county.
The snowfall continued to come down in Colchester overnight
'Stay at home' message
Public transport
A number of routes on public transport have been affected by the weather conditions.
We've also heard from Ipswich Buses who operate buses in Colchester.
- Colchester Town Services are operating a normal Normal Monday Service
- Country services in Babergh & Essex – Suspended due to snow drifts and icy road conditions.
Met Office warnings
An amber weather warning of snow lifted at midday today (8th February).
But, it has been replaced by a yellow weather warning of snow, which will last through until midnight on Wednesday (10th February).
What to expect:
Long delays and cancellations on bus, rail and air travel probably occurring.
There is a good chance that roads may become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers likely.
Long interruptions to power supplies and other services, such as gas, water, telephone and mobile phone coverage likely.