PRESS RELEASE
Devon County Council is urging people to be prepared for the possibility of snow this week.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning of snow and ice conditions from midday tomorrow (Tuesday 29 January) which could have the potential to cause travel disruption.
Although any snow is not expected to be widespread, the current forecast is that higher ground, such as Dartmoor and Exmoor, could face up to 5cm of snow. Haldon and Telegraph Hills may see a small amount of snow, some of which could affect tomorrow evening’s rush hour.
Road surface temperatures will be close to zero in most of the county overnight tonight, but it will fall below freezing in East Devon, Mid Devon and Dartmoor.
The County Council’s gritters will be treating many of the main routes across the county overnight, with a widespread heavy frost and icy conditions expected tomorrow morning. Untreated surfaces could be hazardous.
Devon County Council, Highways England and Devon and Cornwall Police have been liaising closely and multi-agency conferences have been held to ensure that the Haldon/Telegraph Hill Plan is ready to be activated if needed.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “There is a risk of snow this week, with the first spell of wintry showers expected from tomorrow afternoon, so we would urge everyone to be prepared. Our advice is to plan your journey, keep an eye on the weather forecast and please take extra care when travelling.”
The County Council is reminding people of the following advice:
• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;
• 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 and reduce your speed;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions;
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could 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;
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions and ensure you are stocked with food and medications.
For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @DevonAlert
Thank you
Hugh Griffith
Highway Operations Control Centre Manager
Telephone: 01392 38 0383
Twitter: @DevonAlert
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