Advice issued to be prepared for possibility of snow

The current cold snap is bringing a risk of snow overnight and into tomorrow morning.

With a Yellow Weather Warning for snow issued by the Met Office covering from 5am tomorrow morning (Thursday 21 November) until 3pm tomorrow afternoon, Devon County Council’s gritters will be carrying out multiple treatments across the county over the next 24 hours.

Rain and wintry showers are forecast to head in from the west across widespread parts of Devon, with a chance of 1cm-2cm of snow in some places. However, most of the snow is expected on higher ground, with up to 10cm possible in areas such as Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills.

Although road surface temperatures are only just dipping below freezing, gritters are already out on most of the main salting routes this afternoon, and this will be followed up with further treatments overnight. Some areas will undergo a third treatment around 9am tomorrow morning when gritters will have their ploughs fitted in case they’re needed.

Telegraph Hill and Haldon Hill are being closely monitored by the County Council and National Highways, and Devon is also standing by if any additional response is needed on the A361 North Devon Link Road.

Around 14 miles of Exeter’s busiest cycle routes will also be treated at around 7pm tonight as part of the ongoing trial to support active travel.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This week has been our first real cold spell of this winter so please don’t be caught out by the conditions tomorrow morning. Sleet showers could be fairly widespread but it could fall as snow in many areas, although higher routes are expected to be worst affected.

“Even if it doesn’t snow in your area, conditions may still be icy, particularly off the salted network, so I would urge everyone to drive according to the conditions. Our teams are prepared and they will be working around the clock to help keep Devon moving, but we can all do our bit by reducing your speed and leaving extra time for your journey. Please take extra care.”

Chief Inspector Dean Drury, of Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing, said: “With the forecast of cold and wet weather and potential adverse road conditions, our Officers and staff will be on patrol and working with our partners in Devon County Council and National Highways.

“I would urge drivers to consider whether their journey is necessary and, if not, to consider not driving due to the potentially dangerous conditions.

“If a decision is taken to drive, we encourage people to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, with good tyre condition, clear windscreens and windows and to allow plenty of time to make the journey.

“Furthermore, people should allow for reduced speeds and to take into account greater stopping distances that may be required, due to wet or icy road surfaces. It is important to think about wearing appropriate clothing, carrying a blanket, a charged mobile phone, enough fuel to account for any hold ups on the road and to consider taking a hot drink in a flask, should you need to stop for an extended period.

“If the journey is necessary, then remember that not all roads will have been treated, so take the necessary care on those roads which could be icy or slippery.”

Duncan Smith, Executive Director of Operations at National Highways, said: “Across the entire winter season, we have Traffic Officers, Control Operators and operations colleagues working around the clock to keep roads accessible, providing a smoother travel experience for all. We’re now asking road users to do their bit too. Packing the right essentials and driving cautiously in poor weather can make all the difference. So, if you’re planning to use the roads, check your vehicle, plan ahead, and use our TRIP guidance to get winter ready.”

A Yellow Cold Health Alert is also currently in force for the south west until 6pm on Saturday (23 November). For more information visit the UKHSA webpages.

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.

National Highways has launched its annual winter TRIP campaign, encouraging drivers to take the necessary precautions when travelling in colder weather and more challenging conditions.

The acronym TRIP promotes four simple steps to prepare drivers this winter:

Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash

Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue

Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread

Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions

More information and advice is available on the County Council's winter travel webpages or for updates follow @DevonAlert on X (Twitter) and Facebook.