EXPERTS are warning that the freezing conditions are likely to continue.

Many Waltham Forest schools were forced to close after up to 15cm of snow fell on Tuesday night, leaving many stranded in their homes.

Commuters face travel misery as the Central was suspended between Leytonstone and Liverpool Street during Wednesday morning’s rush hour.

Snow continued to fall throughout Wednesday and the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the area.

A Met Office spokesman said the big freeze, which started in mid December, has been the most prolonged spell of sub-zero temperatures since December 1981.

It is expected to continue for the next couple of weeks, with more snowfall predicted across the borough at the weekend and next week.

This is likely to cause further disruption to travel networks and may affect power supplies.

Council gritters hit the roads on Tuesday ahead of the expected snowfall, following criticisms of a slow response to snowfall last December.

They prioritised the main routes, hilly areas and roads around hospitals, fire stations and transport hubs.

Cllr Bob Belam, the council's environment cabinet member, said: "Over the coming days we are ready to put hundreds of tonnes of grit onto streets and pavements right across Waltham Forest, working round the clock to tackle the snow and ice.

“I want to thank those residents who have cleared their driveways and pavements of ice in the past month and encourage residents around the borough to help us make our streets safe during the severe weather we are experiencing.”

Many schools were forced to close and parents are advised to contact schools direct to find out when they will re-open.

Rubbish collections and postal deliveries took place on Wednesday as normal.

Police say there had been no reported serious accidents in the borough following the initial snowfall, but people are advised to avoid driving unless it is essential.

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