Icy roads warning

Devon County Council is warning people to be be prepared for icy roads in parts of the county tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

Areas of higher ground could see road surface temperatures drop below freezing during the peak travel time and gritters will be out on Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills and parts of north and west Devon overnight.

There is also the chance of sleet and wintry showers tomorrow morning, and everyone travelling on the county’s highways is urged to take extra care.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “There’s a real mixture of weather over the next few days and everyone should be aware of the risk of floodwater, and icy patches, particularly on higher ground. We may see leaves and tree debris falling during this spell of unsettled weather which could potentially block drains, culverts and gullies. This could lead to a risk of surface water and flooding, especially with the ground becoming more wet over the last few days. I would urge everyone to keep an eye on the forecast, be alert to the conditions and take extreme care.”

The weather is expected to remain unsettled for the next few days. Further spells of wet and windy weather are forecast on Friday and into the weekend, although temperatures are set to remain around or above the seasonal average.

Motorists are being reminded 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, check to see how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.

For more information and travel advice visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter or on Twitter follow @HughHOCC and @Devonroads