Snow started to fall across Suffolk and Essex today which led to widespread travel disruption.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow from 4am today until 11.55pm, and those predictions were proved right.

Snow was falling in the west of Suffolk at 5.30am. It turned to rain by 7am but by 9am it was falling heavily but had stopped by 12.30pm. It started to fall in Ipswich at around 9.30am.

Stowmarket Mercury: Rooftops of Wethersfield, Essex covered insnow. Picture: Kelleyann PhythianRooftops of Wethersfield, Essex covered insnow. Picture: Kelleyann Phythian (Image: Archant)

Roads around Suffolk quickly became treacherous and motorists were advised by police to delay any non-essential journeys.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said they had not had any reports of major incidents but there had been a series of minor shunts where drivers were exchanging details.

Stowmarket Mercury: There were still some people who ventured into Ipswich town centre - with the Christmas Market being held on Sunday. Picture: BRAD JONESThere were still some people who ventured into Ipswich town centre - with the Christmas Market being held on Sunday. Picture: BRAD JONES (Image: Archant)

“But we have had nothing of a serious nature so far,” he said.

There were reports of problems on the A12 with traffic struggling on the Suffolk Essex border at Dedham.

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow on the waterfront at Ipswich. Picture: Matt StottSnow on the waterfront at Ipswich. Picture: Matt Stott (Image: Archant)

A lorry was also finding difficulties on the westbound carriageway of the A14 on the Orwell Bridge which had to be closed for a short while and some of the roads in Ipswich with inclines including Fonnereau Road, Cambridge Road, Bishop’s Hill and Wherstead Road were also becoming difficult to negotiate.

“But people are heeding advice and those who had plans to go out look as if they have decided not to,” he added.

Much of the A12 was hit by delays as traffic came to a standstill.

They included delays of six minutes on Grove Road, northbound, between Kennels Road and Hasketon Road, in Woodbridge; severe delays of 23 minutes between London Road and Hughes Road, in East Bergholt; and at the Copdock interchange.

Stowmarket Mercury: Motorists were advised to only travel if it was necessary - there was little traffic in Ipswich town centre. Picture: BRAD JONESMotorists were advised to only travel if it was necessary - there was little traffic in Ipswich town centre. Picture: BRAD JONES (Image: Archant)

The A14 westbound between junction 57 Nacton Road and J55 the A12 was also hit as was the Ipswich bypass near Ipswich Hospital and further along at Yarmouth Road.

The Essex Weather Centre said that conditions were deteriorating quickly as the transition from rain to snow began.

Stowmarket Mercury: Holywells Park covered in snow. Picture: Matthew StottHolywells Park covered in snow. Picture: Matthew Stott (Image: Archant)

The Northern Approach Road, in Colchester, was almost impossible to negotiate while in Mile End Road men were helping to push cars up the road.

In Braintree the Freeport centre had closed for the day because of the weather while roads in the area and along the A120 had also been closed.

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow falls in Boxted. Picture: Will LodgeSnow falls in Boxted. Picture: Will Lodge (Image: Archant)

A spokesman at Freeport said: “Yes, we have closed for the day becaase of the inclement weather. The roads are terrible and we are advising people not to travel to the centre.”

Stansted Airport closed while staff worked on clearing the runway of snow and ice but was opened at 12.30pm.

Stowmarket Mercury: Holywells Park covered in snow. Picture: Matthew StottHolywells Park covered in snow. Picture: Matthew Stott (Image: Archant)

Suffolk Highways said they would be gritting priority 1 routes from 11.30am today and told motorists to stay safe and drive to the conditions.

While in Haverhill police said it was becoming difficult for their police cars to respond to incidents because of the state of the roads.

Stowmarket Mercury: Holywells Park covered in snow. Picture: Matthew StottHolywells Park covered in snow. Picture: Matthew Stott (Image: Archant)

Jane Storey, the deputy leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The gritters went out at 11.30am from our depots in Bury St Edmunds, Halesworth and Ipswich.

“They have been challenging conditions for us but not a severe weather event and it is now slowly clearing but we could potentially end up with black ice later today.”

Stowmarket Mercury: Evie Jones with her snowman in Ipswich. Picture: ANDREA JONESEvie Jones with her snowman in Ipswich. Picture: ANDREA JONES (Image: Archant)

There were no reports of any problems with the train services in the area because of the weather.

The Met Office said up to nearly four inches could fall in places within the warning area, with nearly eight inches possible in a few places on higher ground.

Stowmarket Mercury: Cars negotiating Woolhall Street, in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Russell CookCars negotiating Woolhall Street, in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Russell Cook (Image: Archant)

The snowfall could cause road, rail and air disruption and forecasters warned there is potential for vehicles to become stranded or public transport cancelled.

The forecast for today is cloudy with periods of snow inland, rain near the coast, turning heavy in places with significant snow accumulations further west.

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow falls in Boxted. Picture: Will LodgeSnow falls in Boxted. Picture: Will Lodge (Image: Archant)

Rain and snow will tend to ease later from the north but it was set to be very cold with the temperature staying near freezing in places.

Tonight is set to be cloudy and bitterly cold with further, mainly light, sleet or snow showers, though many parts will have a dry night.

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly TownsendSnow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly Townsend (Image: Archant)

There is set to be a widespread sharp frost with areas of hazardous ice.

The Met Office said: “A spell of snow is expected over a central swathe of the UK on Sunday.

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowing at Hadleigh, Suffolk. Picture: Kelly WebbSnowing at Hadleigh, Suffolk. Picture: Kelly Webb (Image: Archant)

“This snow starts to develop during the early hours of Sunday with the heaviest and most persistent snow then likely during Sunday morning.

“Within the warning area, 1-5cm of snow is possible quite widely with up to 10cm in places. Over higher ground, 20cm is possible in a few places.”

Highways England is urging motorists to drive to the conditions and ensure vehicles are winter ready.

It tweeted: “Snow is forecast so we ask motorists to please drive to the conditions.

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly TownsendSnow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly Townsend (Image: Archant)

“Prepare for any eventuality ensuring your vehicle is winter ready and making sure you have warm clothing, food, drink, required medication, boots, shovel and a torch.”

If you have any photos of the snow today email them to newsroom@archant.co.uk

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly TownsendSnow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly Townsend (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow is falling heavily in Great Leighs, Essex. Picture: NATALIE SADLERSnow is falling heavily in Great Leighs, Essex. Picture: NATALIE SADLER (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly TownsendSnow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly Townsend (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly TownsendSnow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly Townsend (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly TownsendSnow scenes in Ipswich. Picture: Emilly Townsend (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: People of all ages took to the hill in Castle Park with their sledges. Picture: MARIANNE INKPENPeople of all ages took to the hill in Castle Park with their sledges. Picture: MARIANNE INKPEN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Teddy Baker, aged three from Colchester, built his first snowman. Picture: RICHARD STRAMATeddy Baker, aged three from Colchester, built his first snowman. Picture: RICHARD STRAMA (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow at Pinewood in Ipswich this morning. Picture: PAUL BARRETT-NAYLORSnow at Pinewood in Ipswich this morning. Picture: PAUL BARRETT-NAYLOR (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: The scene at Blackmore in Essex. Picture: PAT TAYLORThe scene at Blackmore in Essex. Picture: PAT TAYLOR (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowy picture looking out to our garden in Kettleburgh. Picture: Nicky HillSnowy picture looking out to our garden in Kettleburgh. Picture: Nicky Hill (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Flowton in the snow. Picture: Susan WoodsFlowton in the snow. Picture: Susan Woods (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A snowy scene in Rushmere, Ipswich. Picture: TERRY HUNTA snowy scene in Rushmere, Ipswich. Picture: TERRY HUNT (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A snowy backgarden in Stowmarket. Picture: JOHN STEWARDA snowy backgarden in Stowmarket. Picture: JOHN STEWARD (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A picture postcard view of a snow-covered garden in Rushmere. Picture: TERRY HUNTA picture postcard view of a snow-covered garden in Rushmere. Picture: TERRY HUNT (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowy scenes from Ipswich. Picture: ContributedSnowy scenes from Ipswich. Picture: Contributed (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Shelly Darwin and son, Riaz Darwin-Boyd made this snowman by the round pond in Christchurch Park. Picture: Shelly DarwinShelly Darwin and son, Riaz Darwin-Boyd made this snowman by the round pond in Christchurch Park. Picture: Shelly Darwin (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Lovely snowy duvet day in Assington. Picture: Mark FergusonLovely snowy duvet day in Assington. Picture: Mark Ferguson (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Suffolk Young Farmers Santa Tractor Run coming through Framlingham. Picture: Steph BennellSuffolk Young Farmers Santa Tractor Run coming through Framlingham. Picture: Steph Bennell (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Shelly Darwin and son, Riaz Darwin-Boyd made this snowman by the round pond in Christchurch Park. Picture: Shelly DarwinShelly Darwin and son, Riaz Darwin-Boyd made this snowman by the round pond in Christchurch Park. Picture: Shelly Darwin (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowy scenes from Ipswich. Picture: ContributedSnowy scenes from Ipswich. Picture: Contributed (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowy scenes from Ipswich. Picture: ContributedSnowy scenes from Ipswich. Picture: Contributed (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: East Bergholt snow scene. Picture: Tim LangridgeEast Bergholt snow scene. Picture: Tim Langridge (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Beautiful scenes from Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Picture: ADRIAN MEEBeautiful scenes from Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Picture: ADRIAN MEE (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Beautiful scenes from Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Picture: ADRIAN MEEBeautiful scenes from Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Picture: ADRIAN MEE (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Beautiful scenes from Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Picture: ADRIAN MEEBeautiful scenes from Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Picture: ADRIAN MEE (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A winter wonderland on Broad Road Bocking! Picture: John ParishA winter wonderland on Broad Road Bocking! Picture: John Parish (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Rudolph the Snowdeer, by Tracey and Danielle in IpswichRudolph the Snowdeer, by Tracey and Danielle in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Elliot Gordon (6) and Isla Gordon (2) of Kesgrave made a Ipswich Town snow supporter! Picture: Fay TrenterElliot Gordon (6) and Isla Gordon (2) of Kesgrave made a Ipswich Town snow supporter! Picture: Fay Trenter (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowman at Berechurch Barbers. Picture: Katie suttonSnowman at Berechurch Barbers. Picture: Katie sutton (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowman Kevin! Picture: Abbie JordanSnowman Kevin! Picture: Abbie Jordan (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Zelda, a three-year-old Border Collie got excited in her first snow at Roman Green in Colchester off Berechurch Hall Road. Picture: Leanne RowlandZelda, a three-year-old Border Collie got excited in her first snow at Roman Green in Colchester off Berechurch Hall Road. Picture: Leanne Rowland (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A few of the birds coping with this morning's snowfall. Picture: Julie KempA few of the birds coping with this morning's snowfall. Picture: Julie Kemp (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: A robin coping with the snowfall. Picture: Julie KempA robin coping with the snowfall. Picture: Julie Kemp (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: A few of the birds coping with this morning's snowfall. Picture: Julie KempA few of the birds coping with this morning's snowfall. Picture: Julie Kemp (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Great Spotted Woodpecker in the snow. Picture: Pamela BidwellGreat Spotted Woodpecker in the snow. Picture: Pamela Bidwell (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Woodpecker grabbing a snack in the snowy weather this morning. He did look a bit wet and bedraggled. Picture: Julie KempWoodpecker grabbing a snack in the snowy weather this morning. He did look a bit wet and bedraggled. Picture: Julie Kemp (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Female blackbird in the snow. Picture: Pamela BidwellFemale blackbird in the snow. Picture: Pamela Bidwell (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: A few of the birds coping with this morning's snowfall. Picture: Julie KempA few of the birds coping with this morning's snowfall. Picture: Julie Kemp (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: We had about two inches of snow settle in the garden this morning. It looked so pretty. Picture: Julie KempWe had about two inches of snow settle in the garden this morning. It looked so pretty. Picture: Julie Kemp (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Combs Wood. Picture: Kevin ButtonCombs Wood. Picture: Kevin Button (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Combs Wood winter wonderland. Picture: Kevin ButtonCombs Wood winter wonderland. Picture: Kevin Button (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: After all the hype the snow has little effect in Felixstowe :( Picture: Stephen SquirrellAfter all the hype the snow has little effect in Felixstowe :( Picture: Stephen Squirrell (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow arrives in Hitcham near Ipswich. Picture: Andrew MutimerSnow arrives in Hitcham near Ipswich. Picture: Andrew Mutimer (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Stowmarket Mercury: Ruby wythe age 7 from Ipswich with her snowman. Picture: ContributedRuby wythe age 7 from Ipswich with her snowman. Picture: Contributed (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow Angel, Cerys, from Stowupland. Picture: Debbie KingSnow Angel, Cerys, from Stowupland. Picture: Debbie King (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snow lady Made by Ashni & Ashmi. Broke Hall, Ipswich. Picture: Piremi AndrewSnow lady Made by Ashni & Ashmi. Broke Hall, Ipswich. Picture: Piremi Andrew (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Perfect sledging conditions in Christchurch. Picture: Sam DawesPerfect sledging conditions in Christchurch. Picture: Sam Dawes (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Perfect sledging conditions in Christchurch. Picture: Sam DawesPerfect sledging conditions in Christchurch. Picture: Sam Dawes (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Bailey enjoying the snow in Broomhill Park. Picture: Rob WatsonBailey enjoying the snow in Broomhill Park. Picture: Rob Watson (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: This is my son Ryland getting ready to throw a snowball at his dad! Picture: Melissa O'HalloranThis is my son Ryland getting ready to throw a snowball at his dad! Picture: Melissa O'Halloran (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Framlingham mere with the castle in the distance. Picture: Andrew HirstFramlingham mere with the castle in the distance. Picture: Andrew Hirst (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Snowy scene at Framlingham Castle. Picture: Andrew HirstSnowy scene at Framlingham Castle. Picture: Andrew Hirst (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A snowy Market Hill, Framlingham. Picture: ANDREW HIRSTA snowy Market Hill, Framlingham. Picture: ANDREW HIRST (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Framlingham Church in the snow. Picture: Andrew HirstFramlingham Church in the snow. Picture: Andrew Hirst (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Helen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHYHelen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Helen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHYHelen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Helen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHYHelen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Helen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHYHelen Elliott and Ben O'Brien having snow fun in Colchester. Picture: HELEN ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)