HEAVY snow is falling across the Epping Forest District causing widespread disruption.

Around 110 schools across Essex have already announced closures including Davenant Foundation School, and Debden Park High School, in Loughton, King Harold School, in Waltham Abbey, and St John's School and Epping Primary School, both in Epping.

The Central Line is suspended between Liverpool Street and Leytonstone and there are severe delays on the rest of the line.

Essex County Council has said it has gritted 1,800 miles of road to combat the snow.

Kendal Avenue, Epping, has been blocked off with traffic cones amid safety fears.

Epping Forest District Council has said its offices will remain open today, but that services could be affected if some staff are unable to travel in to work.

The East of England Ambulance Service is advising residents to avoid unnecessary journeys.

David Donegan, chief operating officer for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “As we know from the past few weeks, road conditions can become extremely hazardous and we are relying on the public’s good sense to use the 999 service wisely which will help us to respond to people who need our assistance for true emergencies."

More disruption is expected in the coming days.

The Met Office say there is a "moderate" risk of the severe weather continuing into Thursday in the region, with between 2cm and 5cm of snowfall estimated.

Forecasters predict heavy snow will fall again on Thursday, with lighter snow also expected on Friday, Saturday and Sunday across Essex.

Temperatures could reach a low of -4°C tonight, rising to -3°C tomorrow.

10.30am

Roding Valley High School, in Loughton, has just announced it is now closing for the day.

11am

Essex County Council is advising residents concerned about services to call 0845 743 0430.

The district council has announced that tonight's scheduled Area Planning Subcommittee West meeting at its Epping offices has been postponed.

All the district's libraries are currently open.

11.30am

There are now around 220 schools across Essex who have announced closure plans.

Staples Road Infants and Junior Schools, in Loughton, have said they will close at 2pm and remain closed tomorrow.

12 noon

Essex Police say they have dealt with nearly 50 weather-related incidents since 6am today, ranging from car crashes to "anti-social snowballing." However, the number of crashes is said to be low.

Operational commander, Chief Insp Richard Phillibrown, has issued the following advice: “The weather forecast is for the snow to continue through until this evening when we will then experience freezing temperatures and ice-related problems begin to play their part.

"Our advice to people is not to travel unless absolutely necessary, with children who are off school asked to be considerate with their play in the snow.

"If anyone does have to take to the roads, then they should take a charged mobile telephone, a blanket and a hot drink.”

2pm

Essex County Council has said its gritting teams were running at "full strength" last night and that a decision will be taken later today about whether they should carry out further runs on the region's roads.

County council leader Lord Hanningfield: “Our county is being severely affected by the heavy snowfall, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that essential services continue to operate at this time.”

Cllr Norman Hume, the authority's cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “Our dedicated winter service is continuing to work round the clock to cope with the icy conditions. In order to keep the county moving as effectively as possible we need to focus our efforts on the precautionary or ‘primary’ network, and I would urge residents to only travel at this time if it is absolutely necessary.”

2.30pm

Epping Forest District Council has confirmed that it has been forced to cancel yet more rubbish collections today due to the weather, and has issued a renewed apology to residents.

3.30pm

At least 11 schools across the district have announced they will close tomorrow (Jan 7). For full details see story below.

Check guardian-series.co.uk for more updates throughout the day.