Devon is under notice for the potential of snowfall tomorrow (Wednesday 8 January) in addition to the persistent danger of ice.
Gritting teams are deployed extensively once again, conducting several treatments along our primary gritting routes throughout the afternoon and overnight.
Road surface temperatures are anticipated to decline lower than last night, dipping below -3C in various areas of the county tonight; a Met Office Yellow Weather Warning for snow is effective from 9am tomorrow.
Forecasts indicate that outbreaks of sleet and snow showers will approach from the south tomorrow morning, with the highest likelihood of snowfall in elevated areas such as Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Blackdown Hills.
In addition to covering 1,700 miles of the principal salting network by gritters, about 14 miles of the busiest cycling routes in Exeter will also receive treatment this afternoon as part of the ongoing initiative to promote active travel.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, remarked:
“Tonight is expected to be chillier than last night, which may lead to ice becoming a concern overnight and into tomorrow morning, particularly on untreated roads. Certain portions of Dartmoor are already blanketed with snow and slush from last night, which could result in challenging travel conditions in below-freezing temperatures.
“There is some unpredictability concerning the expansiveness of the snow showers, but our teams are making preparations for every possibility. Following the treatment of our precautionary salting routes across the county, they will keep monitoring the conditions. I encourage individuals to allocate extra time for their journeys and exercise additional caution.”
An Amber Cold Health Alert is also active in England until noon on Saturday (12 January). For further details, visit the UKHSA webpage.
The County Council is reminding residents of the following recommendations:
- Never take for granted that a road has been salted. Bear in mind that rain or showers will wash salt off roads, leaving them susceptible to ice, and in extreme cold, even salting may not prevent ice formation;
- Factor in extra time for your journey.
- Reduce your speed and maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one ahead;
- Drive attentively and according to the prevailing conditions;
- If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, consider how they might need assistance during the cold snap;
- Try to keep indoor temperatures at least 18C, especially if you are not mobile, suffer from chronic illness, or are over 65. The NHS website offers further information on maintaining health during cold weather;
- Stay tuned to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.
Further information and advice can be found on our winter travel webpages; for updates, follow @DevonAlert on X (Twitter) and Facebook.