SCORES of county schools were closed today in the aftermath of yesterday's snowfall that has left treacherous conditions on roads.

County education bosses said 60 schools fell victim to the weather with headteachers taking the decision to close on the grounds of transport safety for teachers and pupils, inadequate heating or frozen pipes.

Worcestershire was plunged into chaos last night after the big freeze struck the region with a vengeance.

The roads became gridlocked during the rush hour - with many drivers reportedly taking more than an hour to travel from one side of the city to another.

Ambulance crews, fire engines and police cars struggled to fight their way through traffic jams to attend an influx in emergency calls.

Despite days of warnings and gritting teams out in force, the snow and freezing temperatures made roads lethal.

But the weather was against the gritters, according to Evening News weatherman Paul Damari.

"It was incredible yesterday afternoon," he said. "I've never seen weather change so quickly before." Soon after the snow fell it began to melt, turning it into slush - then temperatures plummeted from 6C to freezing point.

"It meant all the salt and grit had been diluted and was frozen, turning the roads into ice sheets," added Mr Damari.

He said tonight there could be another frost, with temperatures dropping to around minus 4C, with temperatures likely to remain low tomorrow morning.

But there should be no more snow and the Arctic conditions might soon be over.

"We'll be seeing south or south westerly winds coming over the weekend, which will see things getting back to normal," he added.

Weekend temperatures are likely to hit double figures, between 10-12C, but there could be plenty of rain.

Parents are urged to listen to local radio tomorrow to see if schools will re-open.

Meanwhile, county health chiefs are advising the elderly to wrap up warm and stay indoors.

Janet Marie Clarke, spokeswoman for Worcestershire Royal Hospital, warned people to take care, adding extra beds had been put on standby in case of an influx in weather-related injuries.