Threat of icy conditions prompts call for UK drivers to slow down – The Guardian

A warning of icy conditions is in place for almost the whole of the UK, prompting police to urge drivers to slow down.

The yellow “be aware” warning covers Scotland, Northern Ireland and the bulk of England and Wales apart from some coastal areas.

The wintry weather front continues to bring snow on higher ground and occasional dustings at lower levels.

The Met Office warned of further brief snowfalls on high ground in southern Scotland, northern England and north Wales. More snow will follow from the north-west, with up to 3cm on higher ground and some covering on on lower ground.

Police Scotland warned drivers to expect poor driving conditions.

Police Scotland Control Rooms
(@polscotcontrol)

Poor driving conditions across many parts of the country tonight due to rain, falling as sleet in some places. A YELLOW weather warning is in place for ice tomorrow morning for most of Scotland. Please slow down, drive to the conditions and leave time for your journey. pic.twitter.com/wrtdr6ok0B


January 21, 2019

Temperatures in London and Cardiff were expected to peak at 5C, while Birmingham will see highs of 3C and Edinburgh 2C.

Highways England warned drivers of “quite heavy” snow on the M62 trans-Pennine route, where efforts were under way to keep the road open using ploughs and salt.

Highways England
(@HighwaysYORKS)

#M62 Don’t forget the trans-Pennine route has a summit of 372m above sea level, that’s 1221 feet in old money. The weather conditions are bleak. It’s currently snowing quite heavy. Our fleet of winter vehicles are out salting & ploughing to keep it clear. #SlowDown #BePrepared pic.twitter.com/qo04n2WvaU


January 22, 2019

On the M6, snow caused the closure of the southbound entry sliproad at junction four overnight, although the road was reopened in the early hours.

Meanwhile, a fleet of 32 gritters was out in south-west Scotland where Transerv described conditions as “baltic”.

Light snow also fell in south-east England as the wintry front moved through from the north-west.

The Met Office meteorologist Sophie Yeomans said: “Most of the country is in the colder and showery air. The snow is mainly on the hills, while for most places the showers are falling as rain and maybe a bit of sleet.”

She added: “Look out for any areas where the surfaces haven’t been treated. On untreated surfaces there’s a risk of slips and falls. There’s also a risk of some icy surfaces on any untreated roads.”

Threat of icy conditions prompts call for UK drivers to slow down – The Guardian