HEAVY snowfall has hit the region – with a number of schools county-wide already announcing they will remain shut this morning (Friday).

In Times Territory, Monk’s Walk School in Knightsfield, WGC, and Pope Paul Primary School in Baker Street, Potters Bar, have already confirmed they will not be open.

Many more are expected to follow, although a county council spokeswoman said: “Schools will try to stay open wherever possible.”

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* Roads have also been affected by the night’s snowfall – which the Met Office has said could be as much as 8in in parts of the south-east and eastern regions.

Traffic was queuing on the A1(M) northbound between Welwyn and Stevenage, with a broken-down lorry blocking one lane.

Commuters can expect chaos in the morning rush-hour, and are being urged to allow extra time to get to work.

County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways and transport, said: “Ice, frost and snow make for very difficult driving conditions so please take extra care and allow more time for journeys.”