Warning of possible icy conditions overnight

Road users are being warned that widespread ice could affect the county’s roads overnight and into tomorrow morning.

Freezing conditions are again forecast across the county and road surface temperatures are expected to plummet to as low -3C from early this evening.

Devon County Council is advising people countywide to take extra care as icy patches may be a problem in areas of the county affected by water run-off, particularly on minor roads, following yesterday’s rainfall and snow showers. The worst conditions will occur overnight.

More than 1,200 tonnes of salt has been used on Devon’s roads in the past 24 hours and Devon’s 37 frontline gritters will be treating all of Devon’s primary salting routes across the county this afternoon and the early hours of the morning.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “There’s still a chance of scattered wintry showers, sleet and snow overnight, and if that falls on freezing roads then conditions could be treacherous. Following the wet weather we’ve experienced ice could form overnight and into tomorrow morning, particularly on untreated roads. Ice can form even form on treated roads, so I would remind people to take extreme care when travelling and avoid overnight travel if at all possible.”

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 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;
Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions and ensure you are stocked with food and medications.

To find out more about Devon County Council’s Snow Warden scheme go to https://new.devon.gov.uk/communities/opportunities/snow-warden-scheme
or contact Parish Council representatives who can liaise with their local Neighbourhood Highway Officer.

For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @DevonAlert