Heavy snow has been falling in Lowestoft in the past hour as the east coast braces itself for a combination of spring tides, gale force winds and a tidal surge.

Eastern Daily Press: Snow in Lowestoft town centre. Pictures: ANDREW PAPWORTHSnow in Lowestoft town centre. Pictures: ANDREW PAPWORTH (Image: Archant)

Although the worst of the snowfall for the region is now thought to be over, and the snowfall has stopped in Lowestoft, high winds are predicted to be coming to the coast this evening.

Traffic has been moving slowly around Lowestoft as the snow settles on the roads, with side roads being of particular concern.

Eastern Daily Press: Snow in Lowestoft town centre. Pictures: ANDREW PAPWORTHSnow in Lowestoft town centre. Pictures: ANDREW PAPWORTH (Image: Archant)

A yellow warning of ice has been issued by the Met Office for Suffolk and Norfolk, which remains in place until tomorrow (Saturday).

Suffolk police are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads as temperatures are expected to drop into the weekend, causing potentially hazardous driving conditions.

Officers are reminding drivers to allow extra time for your journey and drive at a sensible speed. Leave appropriate distances between yourself and other road users. Accept your journey will take longer.

Insp David Giles, of the Serious Collision and Investigation Team, said: 'Remember it's illegal to drive with obscured vision so take time to let any condensation and frost clear from your windscreen, lights and mirrors before setting off on a journey.

'Particularly in icy or snow conditions, avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering movements and check your tyres before setting out as tyres that do not have the right tread depth or pressure are more likely to lose grip.'

Keep safe on the roads by following some simple advice:

? Make sure all your car lights are working and you have no failed bulbs.

? Ensure that dirt is cleared away from light fixtures.

? Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads.

? Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Keep the fuel tank topped up.

? Take a mobile telephone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Carry a mobile charger in the car.

? For more information about driving in different weather conditions visit the road safety sections at www.suffolk.police.uk