TWO schools have had to shut due to the adverse weather, following the first major snowfall in the borough.
Harefield Academy, in Northwood Way, has closed for the day, and the Macmillan Early Childhood Centre, in Judge Heath Lane, Hayes, was shut for a second day because of heating problems.
Between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow fell last night, and gritting trucks were out on the roads at 4am clearing busy routes and access points of schools, fire stations and hospitals in the borough.
Temperatures in Hillingdon dropped to just below freezing in the early hours of this morning, and they are expected to dip further, to as low as minus five degrees celcius tonight (2).
A Met Office spokeswoman said that although the snow was gradually dying out, it would still be very cold, and residents could expect wintry showers over the weekend.
Hillingdon Hospital has reported a sharp increase in patients admitted with chest infection, as well as with injuries from road accidents and falls, although staff are said to be coping with the influx.
Most flights from Heathrow are operating, although many services have been disrupted.
Gatwick has had to suspend all of its flights and shut due to the heavy snow, and it is not expected to re-open until tomorrow (Friday) morning at the earliest.
The Metropolitan Police have issued a public warning asking drivers to be extra wary of the icy conditions on the roads, as snow continues to fall across the country.
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