Risk of snow and ice set to return to Devon

Advice has been issued to prepare for the possibility of snow and ice across Devon later this evening (Tuesday 7 March) and into tomorrow morning.

Devon County Council’s gritting teams will be heading out this afternoon from 3pm following the Yellow Weather Warning issued by the Met Office for snow, mainly across higher ground, from tonight. Multiple treatments will be carried out on many of the county’s precautionary salting routes this evening and overnight, with routes on higher ground due to be treated three times. Gritters will also have ploughs fitted for their later runs.

Anyone travelling on the county’s roads is urged to take extra care as road surface temperatures are set to fall below zero in many areas with the possibility of 5cm–10cm falling over Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Wintry showers are expected to clear away eastwards throughout Wednesday daytime.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This latest cold snap may be towards the end of the winter season but it still has the potential to cause travel disruption, no matter how short-lived. The weather warning is for widespread snow showers, so please keep an eye on the forecast and check local news bulletins before travelling overnight on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning. Our gritters are treating the affected main salting routes but there will be the risk of ice, particularly on untreated surfaces. We would encourage everyone to take extra care."

Devon’s volunteer snow wardens have been advised to be prepared to treat their priority routes in their local communities if required.

The County Council is reminding everyone of the following advice:

• 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;
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front;
• Drive with care and according to the conditions;
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly 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. The NHS website has more information on staying healthy during cold weather;
• 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 visit the County Council's winter travel webpages or for updates follow @DevonAlert on Twitter and Facebook.