SOUTH Essex could be engulfed in more snow than it has seen in decades, according to a weather expert.

Snow could fall constantly for three days, breaking all local records, Essex weatherman Tom Defty has warned.

Danbury-based Mr Defty, who runs the website, www.historicalweather.co.uk, said yesterday’s weather was only a taste of things to come for residents.

According to the latest information, snow clouds from the North Sea are expected to arrive in the county around lunchtime today with snow falling on and off for about 72 hours.

Meanwhile, inland temperatures could drop to minus ten C, with coastal areas such as Southend four degrees warmer, though freezing winds of as much as 40mph could further lower temperatures.

Mr Defty said he believed the combination of the chilly temperatures and prolonged snow could break Southend’s records of 16-inches if snow, recorded in 1987 and again in 1991.

He said: “Certainly, on Thursday and Friday, there is an opportunity people will see something they haven’t seen for more than 20 years.

“When the snow arrives, we will be engulfed in snow for 72 hours.

“The cold wind means you won’t want to stand outside for too long.”

Basildon could be slightly worse off than other places, as it sits higher and so will be more exposed to the wind.

Mr Defty said the cold weather was expected to remain in south Essex for another nine days, adding it was impossible to predict what would happen with 100 per cent certainty.

He said: “The weather can be very unpredictable, after all a couple of days ago it wasn’t even predicted to snow in Essex.”