Business as usual for Richmond following first snowfall

The Met Office's forecast for heavy snow in the early hours of today was downgraded to light snow showers last night.

Today snow left a dusting across the borough on homes, gardens and cars.

There have been no reports of school closures and trains, tubes and buses were all operating as usual, with some minor delays.

But the Met Office said the worst was yet to come.

Forecasters are predicting yet more snow until noon, and again between 3pm and 6pm, with sleet or light snow showers continuing until 6am tomorrow.

Met Office advice is to avoid travel if possible and to wear several layers of clothing if venturing out.

Richmond's firefighters were also on high alert today as temperatures continued to plummet.

Firefighters have extra safety equipment, including inflatable rescue paths, mud lances, and thermal clothing at the ready in case of snow-related emergencies.

The London Fire Brigade also issued cold weather safety tips, which include driving with extra care on icy roads and staying well away from frozen ponds and lakes.

Homeowners should ensure house pipes are properly lagged to reduce the risk of flooding from frozen pipes and take extra care to avoid fires by keeping an eye on candles and heaters, the LFB added.

Meanwhile Richmond Council said it was confident it was ready for the change in weather.

Four of the council's gritting trucks completed three gritting runs last night and in the early hours of today, laying 36 tons of grit on the roads to keep motorists safe.

Councillor Clare Head, Richmond Council's cabinet member for traffic, said: "Our gritting teams are on 24-hour standby rotas and as soon as road surface temperatures drop, and ice or snow forms, our spreading trucks will be loaded and sent out."

• Visit our Weather page for a 5 day forecast

Send us your snow images or reports on the wintry weather in your area to cfleming@london.newsquest.co.uk or call the newsroom on 020 8744 4274.