HAMPSHIRE is bracing itself for freezing temperatures lower than the Arctic and heavy snow which threatens to bring the county’s transport network grinding to a halt.

February’s tumbling temperatures are again expected to plummet to -3C tonight.

Combined with icy eastern winds from Siberia, experts say it could feel as cold as -15C.

And the worst is yet to come from the so-called “Beast from the East”, with experts predicting heavy snow tomorrow, which could be as deep as 20cm in some parts of Hampshire.

An amber warning has been issued ahead of the flurry – with weather experts warning of a potential risk to life and property.

Hampshire’s transport bosses, health experts and civic chiefs have also echoed the warning, as the "Beast from the East" prepares to tighten its grip on the county.

On top of this, dozens of schools last night announced they will not open tomorrow, due to the threat of snow.

These include Itchen College, Southampton, Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh, and Peter Symonds College, Winchester.

Kings Copse Primary School in Hedge End closed today due to a burst water main near to the school.

But school bosses say they expect to be “back to normal” tomorrow.

On the roads, gritters have and will continue to take to the Southampton’s “priority routes” in the hope of keeping traffic moving.

An extra 18 beds for homeless people will also be open across the city in the wake of freezing temperatures.

The added provision was launched in December and was expected to end in January.

But city housing bosses say they have extended the service in light of the recent cold snap.

Councillor Dave Shields, city council cabinet member for health and community safety, said: “I think it would be really inappropriate to stop the service now, at a time when it’s so cold.

“We will do everything we can to make sure that everyone has somewhere to go.”

He also urged residents in the city to check on their neighbours and relatives and for people to take care in the cold conditions.

Similar preparations are also being made in Hampshire, where Winchester City Council are laying on extra beds for the homeless.

Hampshire County Council meanwhile says it has gritted more than 8,600 miles of roads over four days this week, using 2,000 tonnes of salt in the process.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said priority roads around schools, colleges and hospitals, as well as community routes used to access villages, had all been gritted twice since Saturday.

On the wider transport network, Highways England has warned motorists on the M3 and M27 to take extra care while driving in snow and icy conditions.

Southampton Airport has bulked up its ground staff team in a bid to keep its runway in operation throughout the snowfall.

However, Flybe, who frequently fly planes from the airport, say it may stop or restrict the number of flights – but insists it will do its best to ensure that flights “operate as normal”.

South Western Railway has warned commuters about potential delays throughout tomorrow and Friday due to snow.

Weather experts say the cold snap is being caused by a patch of Arctic air drawn across the UK from Siberia, dubbed the “Beast from the East”.

The freezing weather front struck earlier this week, bringing sub zero temperatures and ice cold winds.

With the Arctic circle currently experiencing a “heat-wave”, weather experts say UK temperatures currently feel colder than some parts of the Arctic.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for Hampshire, with heavy snow expected to move north across southwest England and Wales through Thursday.

They are warning of “significant ice build-up” overnight on Thursday night and the potential for more snow showers on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “The snow is likely to be accompanied by strong winds.

“Long delays and cancellations to public transport is expected, whilst some roads may become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers.

“Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are likely to occur.”