Warning to expect icy conditions

Gritting teams will be doing everything possible to keep Devon’s roads clear tonight, but road users are being warned of challenging conditions overnight and into tomorrow morning.

The cold spell forecast this week has seen the Met Office issue a Yellow Weather Warning for ice and snow from this afternoon until 10am tomorrow morning, and a Yellow Weather Warning for snow throughout all of Wednesday.

Following the deluge of rain over the weekend, tonight’s freezing temperatures and a risk of sleet and snow showers could leave roads treacherous.

Gritters are already treating higher routes this afternoon and they will be carrying out multiple treatments on around 1,700 miles of the county’s main salting routes this evening and overnight.

The County Council is reminding people 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.