WHILE thousands of people enjoyed the sight of snow falling across north Essex, many others battled the elements through gritted teeth as disruption ensued.

Education bosses at Philip Morant in Colchester delayed the opening of the school and college so students could travel in safely.

St Peter’s Church of England School, on the other hand, was forced to close all together after experiencing power issues.

Phone lines at the Sible Hedingham site were also rendered useless following the snowfall and ultimately resulted in an apology being issued to parents.

The adverse weather conditions had an impact on water levels in the River Colne from Great Yeldham to Colchester.

For several hours leading into Friday afternoon the already high watercourse continued to rise and is suspected to have flooded low lying land, roads, and riverside areas.

Flooding also affected Cressing and left a vehicle stranded after Bulford Mill Lane became engulfed in water.

As a result, residents were warned to be prepared and urged not to put others at risk.

The beginning of the winter freeze, which saw temperatures drop to zero degrees in some areas of north Essex, also saw multiple car crashes and subsequent tailbacks.

Essex Highways reported numerous crashes and incidents around Halstead and in surrounding villages, as well as on the A120 and A131.

There were also lengthy delays in Great Yeldham after a smash involving two vehicles saw one car hit a tree, leaving the road is partially blocked.

The accidents occurred after the Met Office warned of “possible slushy accumulations.”