Weather experts have warned of more chaos and disruption tomorrow after today’s snow and sleet and tonight’s freezing conditions. The South West saw large amounts of snowfall throughout the day, with road closures leaving some drivers trapped for hours, while schools have announced closures ahead of more weather disruption tomorrow.
And the Met Office is warning of further chaos; it has issued a yellow weather warning for ice overnight, as today’s snow, sleet and rain freezes. The forecaster says: “Following rain and snow, many cold wet surfaces are likely to freeze later tonight, producing icy conditions in places.”
This is likely to cause more issued on roads in the region, following on from today’s lengthy closure on the A380/A38 near Haldon Hill and the chaos on the A30 at Bolventor. The new warning is in place from 12.15am until 10.30am on Thursday, January 9 and nearly all of the South West is included. Cornwall has also been hit with a separate snow and ice warning from 12.15am to 11am tomorrow.
Temperatures in some parts of the region- notably on Dartmoor – could drop to -4C overnight, with 0-1C forecasted in cities and nearer coastlines in Devon and Cornwall. Roads will be icy first thing tomorrow and Devon County Council said its team of gritters will work through the night gritting main roads in the county. Cornwall Council is carrying out similar work.
Road temperatures will drop further through the night, with some plunging to -5C. Secondary routes will be treated on Thursday morning, Devon council adds.
The Met Office said: “Surfaces have been left wet and cold following Wednesday evening’s rain and snow. While some surfaces may dry out before they freeze, it is likely that many untreated surfaces may become icy and hazardous overnight into Thursday morning – this will tend to happen sooner in the west, some eastern areas perhaps marginal for freezing.”
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “There has been significant and sustained snowfall on areas of higher ground and widespread areas of the county have seen snow and sleet. With road surface temperatures staying low today and expected to remain below freezing beyond tomorrow morning’s peak travel time, there will be a risk of ice if you’re out and about tonight and in the morning.
“Untreated routes could be particularly treacherous, but please remember that ice can form even on treated routes. Our gritter drivers are working extremely hard. They’re doing everything possible to keep routes clear and help keep Devon moving. If your journey tomorrow morning is essential, please allow extra travel time, drive according to the conditions and take extra care.”