BASINGSTOKE is blanketed in snow this morning, after temperatures dropped last night.

But the whiteout is not expected to last, and the Met Office is predicting that the snow will turn to rain and sleet throughout the day.

The conditions have caused traffic to build up around the borough, and some Stagecoach services have been affected.

Services in the #Basingstoke area are currently suffering delays of upto 30 minutes due to road conditions. Our apologies.— Stagecoach South (@StagecoachSouth) February 3, 2015

Hampshire Constabulary has issued advice on driving in the snow and ice.

They advise: “Try and manoeuvre gently and avoid any harsh braking or acceleration.

“Drive in the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, and allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

“It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than in dry, fine weather, so drive slowly.

“If you do have to brake on snow or ice then get into a lower gear, earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently. If you start to skid then ease off the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly.”

It is also advised to take a few minutes to prepare your vehicle before you set off on your journey and sure you clear all windscreens and windows and drive carefully.

If you've had a little snow overnight, you know the drill. Leave extra time for journeys, take care and look after others. Simples! #Snow— Hampshire Police (@HantsPolice) February 3, 2015

The Met Office says that showers will fall as snow initially, then turn occasionally to rain or sleet.

Although they do say that slight accumulations are possible with the maximum temperature expected to rise to 4 degrees centigrade.

It says: “Cold conditions will persist, with widespread overnight frosts, locally severe, and low daytime temperatures."

A bit of #Snow isn't delaying things here! #Basingstoke #Valeting #Snow #Winter #CarCare #CarValeting pic.twitter.com/KPwAMTwZTO— Basingstoke Valeting (@BVCLTD) February 3, 2015

Morning from Basingstoke ish?!? It appears to have snowed, muchly!! #whiteout— Dan Archer (@therealdarcher) February 3, 2015

The roads are completely fine, but Basingstoke is utterly jammed-up. It wasn't even heavy snow, just a sprinkle. What's wrong with people?— Steve Atkins (@steveatkins) February 3, 2015

Hampshire’s highways teams were out last night making sure main roads were salted.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “If the forecast is correct, Hampshire is in for a cold week and our highways teams are preparing for some busy nights.

“We have a good stock of salt in the barns across Hampshire, and teams will be out making sure routes are salted in time for everyone to get to work and school this week.

“I would, however, ask residents to take particular care if they are setting off early to work tomorrow as it seems that temperatures are set to drop overnight. Even if we don’t see much snow, we can expect ice to form and so I would urge people to drive according to the conditions at all times."

So far this winter, the county council has used 5,000 tonnes of salt. It is asking people to keep a neighbourly eye on older and vulnerable residents living near to them, particularly in rural communities where not everyone has access to mains gas and communications can be affected.

Any concerns about a neighbour can be reported by calling 0300 555 1386.

For practical help or advice, call the council helpline on 0800 804 8601.

Have you woken up to a wintry scene? – send us your pictures to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk