HEAVY snow caused traffic disruption in parts of West Devon and East Cornwall yesterday (Thursday) and due to the dangerous conditions people have been urged not to travel this morning unless absolutely essential.

Areas including Princetown, Milton Abbot, Chillaton, Mary Tavy, Okehampton, Whiddon Down and North Tawton have been badly affected and people struggled to make it home last night. Multiple vehicles and HGVs were also stranded on the A30 at Whiddon Down and villagers kindly opened the community hall for people stuck in the snow.

Kind-hearted farmers and 4x4 owners were also out in force throughout the night helping people stuck in the snow and ice.

Devon County Council has urged people across snow-hit areas of the county not to travel until midday. With the Met Office’s Yellow Warning remaining in place until midday the county council’s gritting teams and snow clearance fleet are working around the clock.

Tavistock police just said that the road between Dousland and Princetown is closed due to the snow conditions. A spokesperson said: 'Please do not be tempted to venture up there today unless you are a skilled 4x4 driver in a suitable vehicle.'

Around 20 schools across Devon and Cornwall have decided not to open today due to the conditions and over safety for its pupils, parents and staff.

Primary schools closed in Cornwall: Callington, Calstock, Delaware, Gunnislake, St Dominic and Stoke Climsland.

Primary schools closed in Devon: Mary Tavy and Brentor, Moretonhampstead, North Tawton, Chagford, Lydford, Lifton, Bridestowe, Northlew and Ashbury, Princetown, Highampton and Okehampton.

Secondary schools: Okehampton College and Callington College. Tavistock College is partially closed, it is open for teachers and pupils in the town who are able to make it safely to school.

Devon County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Avoid travel unless absolutely essential.

• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

• Drive with care and according to the conditions;

• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over.

• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions and ensure you have food and essential medications.

Highways England is advising drivers to pay attention to messages on the overhead electronic signs and listen for radio updates. `