Arctic weather causes problems on roads, rail and air

We are not out of the woods yet.

That was the warning today as the bitterly cold weather, strong winds and snow showed no sign of abating.

Exeter Airport is shut and there were problems on the railway line at Dawlish this morning (Friday 2nd) which is also closed. Bus services across the region have also been affected.  

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk also issued a no-nonsense message to those considering taking to their vehicles.

He tweeted: "Colleagues have been rescuing hundreds of stranded motorists overnight and the icy roads are treacherous. Please can we have a more literal interpretation of the word ‘essential’ this morning. There have been so many warnings that this weather was coming."

Exeter is currently affected by a YELLOW weather warning of snow and ice which will continue through until tomorrow.

The five-day Met Office forecast is as follows:

Today
Very cold with gales and further sleet and snow on Friday, steadily moving north and easing. Perhaps some rain or freezing rain at times too, mainly in the far southwest. Remaining bitterly cold. Maximum temperature 3 °C.

Tonight
Remaining cold and windy overnight with further outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow moving north. Turning a little drier by the morning. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Saturday
Cold, windy and rather cloudy on Saturday with further patchy outbreaks of rain, sleet and mainly hill snow through the day. Maximum temperature 6 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
Turning less cold into the new week with spells of rain, sleet and snow likely at times. Resulting in a slow thaw and a risk of ice. Generally less windy.