Last updated Friday 7pm

CLICK FOR SATURDAY TRAVEL UPDATE 

THERE have been reports of road closures, long delays and cancelled bus and trains services this morning as the 'Beast from the East' and Storm Emma make their presence felt in Oxfordshire.

As many head home early with the snow getting worse this afternoon, almost every major stretch of road around Oxford is slow, as shown here from Google's live feed. 

Oxford Mail:

Picture - Google (as of 7pm)

Some of the roads that remain blocked are the A424 between Burford and Stow, the A361 at Chipping Norton and the A338 south of Wantage.

Police have repeatedly called for drivers to avoid travelling unless necessary, and for those who do hit the road this afternoon as the snow worsens, officers have released a video with tips on how to drive safely in the conditions. 

The A44 Chipping Norton was blocked by stranded lorries between Woodstock and Enstone, bit has now reopened.

The M40 is now getting treacherous, especially around the junction for Thame, after the snow became heavier this afternoon. 

Snow is covering the outside lane, and the motorway is almost down to one lane in places. 

Police now say there have been multiple crashes along the motorway.

There are also issues on the A338 with Thames Valley Police saying they have had reports of snow drifts between Frilford and Wantage.

There are significant delays in the area.

Drivers have abandoned their cars on rural stretches, with this abandoned Skoda seen in a ditch on Eynsham Road this afternoon.Oxford Mail:

Police say there have been several crashes on the same stretch of the A361 today. They urged drivers to avoid travelling unless they absolutely have to. 

Reader Toby Perry sent us this picture and video from the A4095 in Bampton, which is completely covered after drifting snow left it impassable.

Oxford Mail:

Nearer to Oxford, this driver's car spun to face the wrong way and into oncoming traffic on Botley Road. 

Oxford Mail:

Oxford Bus Company has reported few changes to its schedule so far but said it will continue to monitor the situation as more snow is predicted for this afternoon.

Stagecoach announced a number of cancellations and diversions to services in Oxford, Witney and Banbury. Visit the live blog for a full list.

As for rail services, those looking to use the Chiltern line from Oxford earlier today were forced to make their way to Oxford Parkway as snow had blocked the track. 

Oxford Mail:

The line was reopened at around 9.30am but Chiltern Railways have warned delays are likely to occur throughout the day.

Great Western Railways have also advised customers not to travel today on many of its routes.

A Great Western Railway spokesman said the company only expected to run a 'minimal service' adding: “Further extreme weather forecast later in the day means the train service is likely to be more affected as the day goes on.

“It is a very real concern that, even if conditions mean we can move people in the morning, we may not be able to get them home later in the day, and on that basis we have to strongly advise customers not to travel on some of our routes.”