With hundreds of vehicles stranded and traffic queues crawling around the region's motorways, police and transport services are struggling to avert a wave of medical emergencies.
Thousands of drivers have spent all night sleepless in their cars without food or water, and as conditions continue below freezing, many are using their mobile phones to report themselves running out of fuel.
Hundreds have taken to their feet in an attempt to walk out of the chaos, and police are struggling to keep hard shoulders clear for emergency vehicles.
Gritters continue their efforts even to reach key stretches of motorway, and the M11 particularly is reported as very icy.
The M11 southbound between junctions eight and seven is effectively blocked.
More follows....
January 31, 2003 09:30
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article