Snow and slippery roads has caused mayhem on the roads in South Essex this morning.

There have been delays on the A13 including queueing traffic eastbound from Stanford-Le-Hope to Sadlers Farm Roundabout, because of an accident involving four vehicles on the roundabout. There is also a build-up between the Five Bells Interchange in Basildon and Sadlers Farm Roundabout. Drivers faced delays of upto an hour before the road was cleared before midday. 

The A130 in North Benfleet is blocked and queueing traffic northbound before the A1245 Chelmsford Road junction, because of a broken down lorry and severe ice and snow in the road.

There was queueing traffic on the A127 Southend Arterial Road eastbound between Fortune Of War, Laindon and A130 from 9am although congestion eased at 11.15am.

There is queueing traffic on the A127 Southend Arterial Road in both directions in Rayleigh between Rayleigh Weir and the Progress Road junction. Delays are expected to be more than 45 minutes.

There are long delays on A127 London-bound from the Tesco Roundabout in Southend to A130 in North Benfleet. Travel time is expected to be 60 minutes.

There is heavy traffic on A127 Victoria Avenue in Southend-On-Sea at Victoria Gateway.

Hockley Road in Rayleigh has been closed and Bread and Cheese Hill in Benfleet is also closed due to the snow and dangerous road conditions.

Runwell Road is shut between Runwell Chase and Runwell Road following a serious crash this morning.

There was also a build-up of traffic on the A13 Stanford-Le-Hope Bypass London-bound in Basildon between Five Bells Interchange and the A1013 junction, approaching midday.

There are lengthy delays at the Mayflower Retail Park, Basildon, although the build up of traffic is currently unexplained.

The heavy snow has left fireman from the night shift stuck at Rayleigh Weir station.

The black ice underneath the early morning layer of snow has meant motorists are struggling to control their vehicles.

Most of the crew at Rayleigh live locally,  but are caught in the same traffic conditions as everyone else.

At Rayleigh Weir, the electricity repairs that have seen one lane closed at the High Road going from the Weir into the town, have compounded the problem.

The High Road is so slippery that most cars have had to turn round and try to get into the town via a different route.

There are reports of cars getting stuck on Hambro Hill in Rayleigh and the bridge near Manners Way, Hockley is backing up after a lorry was stuck in the snow.

Essex Police are advising drivers not to drive unless absolutely necessary due to black ice under the falling snow.

If you know of any further delays or road incidents let the newsroom know on 01268 469379 and also email in your snow pictures to echonews@nqe.com.