ESSEX Police are advising motorists to only make journeys that are absolutely essential as the first substantial snowfall of winter hits Epping Forest.

The force dealt with 180 weather-related incidents across the county last night and this morning (December 17 and 18).

Between 10pm and 5am the calls included 20 to road collisions, 25 about fallen power cables and 16 about fallen trees.

There were also 36 call-outs to youths causing a nuisance by throwing snowballs at passing vehicles or at properties, and 29 calls about road affected by ice or snow. Most of the other calls involved stranded vehicles.

Chief Inspector Jon Dodman, speaking from an emergency special operations centre at Essex Police headquarters, said: “With further snow forecast over the next few days I would advise people to only make journeys if they are absolutely necessary.

“If you have to drive leave plenty of time for your journey, drive slowly and leave a large distance between you and the vehicle in front.

“It is advisable to make sure you have a mobile phone, a shovel, a blanket and a flask of hot drink with you just in case you do get stuck.”