I think you've been unlucky. Are you right on the sea? I'm in West Park and we had a couple of days of lying snow in December from that dollop before Xmas and Elwick Road/Devil's Elbow were a nightmare this morning at 7:15am. Thankfully the roads have melted now. I can see the cricket club pitch from where I am and it is completely covered.
Decemeber
This morning
I'm in Darlington at the moment and although it's small flakes, i's a moderate fall and it's given a covering straight away. The cold dry ground has definitely helped. Wasn't expecting this ahead of the main belt.