More warnings for motorists as cold snap continues to hit UK

Drivers are being urged to be prepared before setting out on journeys after Highways England issued a severe weather alert lasting until midday on Thursday 1 March.

The amber ‘be prepared’ alert comes into force at 3am tonight (Tuesday 27 February) following a Met Office forecast for scattered snow showers affecting much of the North East overnight.

Highways England’s gritting teams will be working around the clock to treat roads and keep traffic moving, with up to 8cm of snow expected quite widely in County Durham and Northumberland as well as on trans-Pennine routes.

Drivers are also being advised to take extra care in Devon and Cornwall, with snow forecast from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 28 February) morning.

Highways England’s Senior Emergency Planning Manager in the North East, Andrew Charnick, said:

“Our gritting teams have been out treating the roads throughout the day and will continue to spreading salt 24 hours a day to keep the roads moving.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel if they really need to travel. You should avoid driving during heavy snow if at all possible.

“Our advice is to keep your distance and reduce your speed because, even in conditions that seem normal and when the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh salt has not been worked into the carriageway.”

As part of a multi-agency partnership, Devon County Council, Highways England and Devon and Cornwall Police will be activating the A38 Haldon/Telegraph Hill Plan overnight, deploying staff to the forward control point in the early hours with gritters, snow ploughs and tractors on hand should they be needed.

Nicola Maxey from the Met Office said:

“It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the latest Met Office forecast and warnings for your area to ensure you’re up to date with the latest situation.

“You can do this by checking the Met Office website for the daily forecast or our warnings page, or you could download our weather app which will ensure you can keep up to date while you are out and about. With the latest weather information for your area, you will be able to prepare for what is in store and plan your activities accordingly.”

PICTURE: YO1 RADIO 

Published: 28/02/2018 by Radio NewsHub