Police are advising the public to only travel if essential, following an upgrading in the weather warning for snow, effecting large areas of Devon and Dorset.
The Met Office have put in place an amber weather warning from 2pm today which lasts throughout tomorrow, which will lead to challenges for road users in the area.
Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, Head of Roads Policing for the Alliance, said: “We are aware of the upgraded weather warning for this afternoon and tomorrow, which is an amber warning for snow encompassing parts of Devon and Dorset.
“It is vitally important that the public take these warnings serious. It is in place from 2pm today meaning that it will impact rush hour traffic, therefore we advise that people give serious consideration to their journey home from work and the school runs; we recommend that people do not travel unless essential.
“The biggest reoccurring error that we see from road users is that during times of severe weather, they do not alter their driving habits. Many of us have the luxury of a car with air con and mod cons that see us in a protective bubble, and can see drivers oblivious to the perilous conditions on the roads.
“Please can all road users reduce their speed, give extra breaking distance between them and the vehicle in front, and if you must travel, leave both extra time for your journey and prepare for the worst – ensure you have a full tank, food and water in the vehicle, shovel and stop signs, a full charged phone and warm clothing; all the things to prepare you in-case of a breakdown.
“Let’s learn from the severe weather of last year. Please heed these weather warnings, and only travel if essential.”
For the latest on the weather, please see the Met Office weather warning webpage: www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings for the latest on roads affected, please see the Traffic watch website on www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/news/traffic-watch
Posts tagged ROADS
ONLY TRAVEL IF ESSENTIAL – AMBER WEATHER WARNING
SNOW WARDEN UPDATE WEDNESDAY 30TH JANUARY 2019
We are keeping an eye on the Met Office Yellow Warning for snow tomorrow through to Friday morning. We are being told to expect:
1-2cm wide spread
5-10cm higher ground >250m?
10-20cm highest routes >300m
Risk from lunchtime Thursday through to Friday morning.
We could be looking at challenging driving conditions on high ground and with that in mind we will be doing high ground secondary routes out at first light tomorrow morning. Possible legacy issues Friday morning especially on the Moors. We are planning to send gritters out tomorrow morning at 11am County Wide. Please keep a ear to local radio and weather bulletins.
Thank you
Hugh Griffith
Highway Operations Control Centre Manager
SNOW WARNING
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
ROAD CLOSURE: Challons Combe to Bowls Cross, Bigbury between 17th and 21st Jan 2019
Traffic Notice- Challons Combe to Bowls Cross
NB The roadworks will be outside Dulce Domun
Any Devon highway issues?
If you want to report a problem on Devon’s highways (potholes, flooding, etc.), use this link:-
Recent Comments