Devon County Council’s team of gritters will be out in force this afternoon and tonight as of bitter cold snap sweeps through the country. Temperatures across the country will drop below freezing overnight as weather forecasters warn as much as 40cm of snow could fall over some parts of the UK this weekend.
Numerous snow and ice weather warnings have been issued in different parts of the country and experts are predicting a frosty weekend ahead. Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly, said: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions.”
A yellow snow and ice warning is in place for parts of north and mid Devon between noon and 11.59pm on Saturday, and temperatures overnight are set to drop below freezing and icy conditions are expected on roads in the county. Temperatures tonight across Devon may drop to -3C under a clear night tonight (January 3) before rain, snow and hail move eastwards on Saturday afternoon (January 4).
Devon County Council said gritters will be ‘widespread’ in the region and warned drivers of the potentially dangerous conditions cold weather can bring. Crews will be out at around 3am on the 1,700 miles of road set to be salted as temperatures plunge below freezing once again.
The council said: “There will be widespread gritting across the county this afternoon and throughout the night. Please always drive to the conditions and remember that ice can form, even on treated roads.”
Mr Kelly continued: “We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales. Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”
In addition to these warnings, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber level cold health alert for the whole of England, lasting from 12pm Thursday, January 2 until 12pm Wednesday, January 8. The UKHSA say the oncoming low temperatures are likely to increase the risk to health for vulnerable people, including those aged 65 and over and people with pre-existing health conditions. Health care services are likely to face increased use during this time, as a result of the cold weather.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Devon County Council winter driving advice
- Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming
- Allow additional time for your journey
- Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front
- Drive with care and according to the conditions
- If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over. The NHS website has more information on staying healthy during cold weather
- Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions