Snow sparks 'treacherous driving conditions’ and road closures across Dorset

Not everyone in Dorset saw snow yesterday – areas to the east and north of Dorchester were mainly affected, as well as in west Dorset near the Somerset border. Other areas saw rain and sleet early in the morning.

While the snow provided an opportunity for children to go sledging and there were pretty 'winter wonderland' scenes in the countryside, police warned of challenging driving conditions as emergency services responded to multiple crashes.

The A35 was closed for several hours between Dorchester and Bere Regis due to a crash on the Puddletown Bypass at about 9am - one witness described the route as being like an 'ice rink'.

A white Toyota Hilux crashed into the central reservation and the bridge pillar on the westbound carriage near to the Northbrook junction.

Police officers and an air ambulance arrived at the scene, where the driver, a man in his 20s from Southampton, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The road was reopened at 7pm with one lane closed on the westbound carriageway as Highways England make emergency repairs in the area.

The A37 between north of Grimstone and over Wardon Hill was described as 'impassable' after snow fell on the icy road.

• SEE MORE - In pictures: Photos show snowfall across Dorset

The snow in Rampisham, Dorset. Picture: Abigail Warne

Travel Dorset stated several vehicles had left the road and police officers were at the scene assisting with recovery. The route was clear by 1pm.

Meanwhile, three crashes were reported on the same road near Martinstown.

Emergency services were first alerted following reports a car had collided with an electricity pole on the B3159 near Higher Ashton Farm about 8.30am.

A spokesman for Dorchester Fire Station said crews were sent to provide 'scene safety'.

A spokesman said: "Upon arrival we found a car had crashed into (the pole) and snapped it down. We established the pole was a BT pole and fortunately was not on the car.

Maiden Newton also saw snow. Picture: Dorset Echo

"Within a minute of arriving we witnessed two further road traffic collisions and assisted the police and paramedics. The road is now closed awaiting recovery of the vehicles."

The spokesman added at the time: "Please be patient on your travels, many roads are extremely icy and there are many reports of collisions and crashes. If you don’t need to drive, stay at home in the warm."

The Met Office issued a snow and ice warning for Dorset and the wider South West throughout Sunday.

Ahead of the cold weather, Dorset Council’s gritters had been deployed to grit the county’s main roads but some roads were frozen on Sunday morning.

The A354 at Thickthorn Cross near Blandford Forum saw substantial snowfall as Travel Dorset warned people to “only go out if you really need to and drive safely.”

Sledging children on a snowy Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury. Picture: PA Photoi

While the snow and icy conditions presented a challenge for motorists, other residents took the opportunity to go for a rare walk in the snow.

Photographers at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury captured scenes of people walking their dogs and children sledging down the famous steeped cobbled street.

Elsewhere in Dorset, people took their young children and dogs out in the snow, - for some little ones it was their first experience of snow.

One person out for a walk near Dorchester said: "We saw a group of deer running through the snow across the area of land just north of Dorchester - it's a rare novelty to see snow.

"Driving conditions were hazardous on roads, however. Snow had settled in places, particularly on higher ground and fields, while roads were icy. The combination of snow, ice and dazzling sunshine is definitely not ideal for drivers."

The fields and road north of Dorchester was under a blanket of snow on Sunday. Picture: Ellie Maslin

The Met Office issued another weather warning for ice, which was in place overnight and lasting to 11am today.

The forecaster warned of icy patches which would ‘likely cause some travel disruption.’

People are being warned of potential injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

A description of the weather warning reads: “Icy patches are expected overnight onwards into Monday morning, especially where snow has fallen on Sunday.”