Schools were closed and commuters faced chaos today as overnight snowfall caused disruption across west London.

There was delight for pupils as schools failed to open in Hounslow this morning but train passengers faced misery as delays and cancellations hit the rail network.

But the Met Office today warned the worst was yet to come. Heavy snowfall is expected from 3pm and will continue into the evening, with up to 10cm falling in some areas. Overnight temperatures are expected to plummet to -2°C.

More snow is also expected in south west London on Friday, with heavier snowfalls through Saturday and Sunday.

A reduced service was operating on South West Trains (SWT) routes today. About 70 per cent of services are running, with delays at most stations. No trains are operating between Teddington and Shepperton or between Waterloo and Hampton Court.

Commuters at Vauxhall station were told no trains were running to or from Teddington because "train crews could not get in", however an SWT spokesman said it had been forced to prioritise the busiest routes.

He said: "In order to get as many people moving as possible we have had to prioritise the busiest routes and we are doing well on the routes that are going.

"We're confident we'll be able to run all day, but we would advise people to check the live service information on our website before travelling.”

With further snowfall expected over the next few days, SWT said it was monitoring the situation.

"We're concentrating on today so plans for tomorrow are still to be assessed," a spokesman added.

Transport for London (TfL) said there were minor delays on overground services from Richmond to Willesden and on to Stratford.

A spokesman said: "A good service is running on most Tube lines, as well as on the DLR, London Overground and LondonTramlink.

"London buses are operating well with a very small number of bus routes on diversion in some local areas.

"Our fleet of 38 gritters have been operating across the Transport for London Road Network working to keep the roads and pavements clear and de-icing trains have been running across the Tube, London Overground, DLR and Tramlink networks overnight."

Schools closed in Hounslow include: Alexandra Junior; Andrew Ewing - closed until January 11 because of cold weather and no heating; Cardinal Road Nursery and Infant; Feltham Community; Feltham Hill Infant and Junior; Heston Infants, Community and Junior; Lindon Bennett; Longford; Marjory Kinnon; Oaklands (closed today and tomorrow); St Lawrence's; St Michael and St Martin Nursery; St Michael and St Martin Primary (closed tomorrow); Southville Infant and Junior; Victoria Junior and Wellington Primary.

A spokesman for Hounslow Council explained Andrew Ewing School in Heston would be closed until next Monday after cold weather caused the heating to break down.

Richmond Council said one school - Wyndham Nursery - was closed today and the borough's day centres were open as usual. The area's parks are also open but park-goers were warned to steer clear of icy ponds and pathways.

Pupils at Waldegrave School for Girls, in Twickenham didn't get the day off but did make the most of the snow by building snowmen before school (pictured).

Jenny Michell, deputy headteacher, said “It's school as usual, as long as the public transport is running.

"There is a good atmosphere and we have extra supervision for break times just to be safe.”

A spokesman for Richmond Council said the authority still had 1,900 tonnes of grit - several weeks' supplies left. He said the council was monitoring weather reports and gritting staff were on call 24 hours a day.

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