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Video: How Kent coped
with the snow this week

The Army has been out helping snow stricken Kent cope with
the big freeze, it was revealed today.

Soldiers from the 2 Infantry Brigade, based in
Folkestone, have been providing a lifeline for
people in the severe weather hitting the county.

Vehicles and personnel have been dispatched to provide
"essential assistance" where needed while other squaddies have been
helping keep Kent's hospitals running.

Brigade Commander Simon Wolsey said: "The Army forms
an integral part of society and we are therefore more than happy to
provide vehicles and manpower to help maintain the safety and
well-being of those communities."

Soliders from Canterbury have been dispatched
to help transport blood supplies and move renal patients around
hospitals in Margate, Ashford and
the cathedral city.

They are from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
Fifth Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Members of 36 Engineer Regiment, from
Maidstone, have also been delivering Meals on
Wheels throughout the Medway towns and
transporting key medical staff to hospitals in Sussex.

It follows a flash warning for widespread icy roads tonight
issued today.

Sub-zero temperatures have meant the county's
roads still potentially lethal.

And at noon forecasters sent out a new warning vaild from 5pm.
It said outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are expected.

The report added: "This will lead to widespread icy stretches
and dangerous driving conditions."

Ice had formed overnight as temperatures hit -5C and freezing
fog is continuing to affect visibility.

Reports have also come in from police of
several crashes in North Kent and
Medway caused by the conditions.

One of the worst spots has been at the top of the A229
Bluebell Hill, where car has overturned at the slip off
for the M2 at Buckmore Park.

This slip road has been closed.

Kent Police is continuing to advise motorists should not travel
unless their journey is absolutely essential.

Operation Stack has finally been lifted after
running for three days on the coastbound M20.

The situation hasn't improved much on the trains with
Southeastern operating a severely reduced
timetable this morning.

South East Coast Ambulance Service has also urged people to
remain patient as their ambulances are struggling to reach those
areas worst affected by the snow and ice.

Since Monday, the NHS trust has also responded to more than 23
car crashes and more than 100 slips and falls caused by the icy
conditions across the county.

SECamb Spokesman Rich Airey said: “Due to the continued severe
weather South East Coast Ambulance Service is focusing its efforts
on getting to those patients who need the help most.

“Our efforts to get to patients are being significantly hampered
due to the snowy and icy conditions and while the number of calls
is not significantly increasing the trust is struggling to get to
emergencies quickly.”

He added: “We ask therefore, that people bear with us as it may
take a little longer than normal to reach people where snow is
heavy or roads are icy.”

To help them deal with the calls, they have called on the
support of the Red Cross, St John Ambulance and suppliers of 4x4
vehicles to ensure staff can get to those patients who need
help.

SECAmb director of operations Sue Harris revealed that in some
areas staff had slept in ambulance stations overnight.

She said: “We currently have the situation under constant review
and have taken a number of measures to ensure we continue to
provide the very best service to patients during this challenging
time.

“Our staff are working extremely hard, often going above the
call of duty, to ensure we are able to help local people who call
upon our service for help.

“I would like to thank patients and the public for their
continued support and to our staff and other volunteers who have
really gone the extra mile during very challenging times.”

Officers said travel difficulties are expected to continue
throughout the day and people travelling should expect severe
delays and extremely hazardous driving conditions.

Kent Police Chief Inspector Andy Reeves said: "As we go into a
new day our message has to remain the same - driving conditions
across the county are still extremely dangerous and you should only
make journeys which are absolutely essential.

"Kent Police are working with partner agencies to keep traffic
on the road network moving. Continuing snow and freezing conditions
are making this difficult.

"Motorists should be prepared, please consider your safety and
decide if your journey is really necessary.

"If you do travel, make sure you have the right provisions for
emergencies.

"If you are already at work, you should give serious
consideration to getting home before conditions worsen.

To find out
what's happening in your area listen to kmfm's round-up
of all Kent's snow news today.

"We urge everyone to continue listening to local broadcasts and
check news websites before setting out on their journey.

"If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives,
please remember to check on them to ensure they are safe and
well.

"Pedestrians are reminded to take great care, as icy conditions
continue to make footpaths dangerous."

Click here to
read what our bloggers said about the snow

Keep up-to-date with the travel news by listening to
kmfm.

Follow KentOnline's latest updates at @kent_online

Kent Police also tweeting all the latest traffic news
at @kent_police.

Roads update:

The M25 is passable with care, in some parts
only two lanes are open.

The M26 is passable with care.

The M20 is open. Operation Stack is still in
place. Queues at junction 11 building back to junction 10

Junction 8 - junction 9 is re-opened

The M2 is passable with care but freezing
conditions make it difficult in places.

The A21 is very icy north of Tonbridge
otherwise passable with care.

A20 at the B2067 vehicles
cannot get up the hill. Between Ashford and Lenham only some 4x4
vehicles are able to get through.

Towards Dover the A20 is very icy but passable
with care.

On the Wainscott bypass going towards the
Medway Bridge one lane is passable.

At Horns Oak Road, Meopham there is a report of
trees down blocking the road.

Operation Stack has been lifted.