Drivers are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary after roads where blocked overnight by snow drifts.

Eastern Daily Press: Snow in Lowestoft this morning. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTHSnow in Lowestoft this morning. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTH (Image: Archant)

Emergency services have responded to multiple weather related incidents overnight affecting the strategic road network in Suffolk.

Many routes, including main trunk roads, have been blocked and Suffolk Police are warning drivers to stay at home where possible.

On the A140, police were notified at 12.40am that vehicles were stranded in snow near Mendlesham, however other stretches were also blocked periodically overnight.

The A14 eastbound is closed at junction 58 from Seven Hills at Nacton due to sudden mass accumulations of snow that was catching drivers out. Other minor routes to Felixstowe are also blocked by snow.

Eastern Daily Press: A grit spreader works to melt the snow and ice on Blyburgate, Beccles.Picture: Nick ButcherA grit spreader works to melt the snow and ice on Blyburgate, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

At 4.15am officers were informed that the A144 at Bramfield near Halesworth was blocked.

At 5am police were notified that the A12 between Blythburgh and Wangford was blocked, with snow reported to be up to 18in deep. HGVs are currently blocking the road south of Blythburgh preventing access to the area.

Suffolk Highways have been using snow ploughs and gritting vehicles all night, however these roads remain blocked.

Suffolk Constabulary has received numerous calls concerning abandoned vehicles in snow drifts across the county.

Eastern Daily Press: A snow covered Lowestoft Road in Worlingham. Picture: Nick ButcherA snow covered Lowestoft Road in Worlingham. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

A spokesman said: 'It is strongly advised that the public avoid using the road network this morning where possible. If travel has to be made, expect serious delays.

'Ensure your vehicle is cleared of snow, drive to the conditions and take with you food and water provisions, plenty of warm clothing and blankets, shovels and fully charge your mobile phone.'

If you do have to drive, check our live travel map before leaving.

Eastern Daily Press: The snow in Lowestoft, where First Bus services have been affected. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTHThe snow in Lowestoft, where First Bus services have been affected. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTH (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The signals at Lowestoft station were barely visible due to the snow. PICTURE: East Suffolk Lines Community Rail PartnershipThe signals at Lowestoft station were barely visible due to the snow. PICTURE: East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (Image: Archant)