Warnings issued as snow makes a return

DRIVERS are being urged to be prepared before setting out on journeys after Highways England issued a severe weather alert.

Snow is forecast throughout the weekend and gritting teams will be working around the clock to treat roads, keep traffic moving on motorways and major A roads.

Highways England has also issued an amber ‘be prepared’ alert for the North from 7pm tonight (Friday) until 5am on Saturday morning, with up to 10cm of snow expected on higher routes.

Drivers are being advised to avoid trans-Pennine roads, including the M62 (junctions 21 to 25), A628 and A66, as well as the M1 between junctions 35 (Rotherham) and 47 (Garforth), the M606 near Bradford and the M621 near Leeds.

Highways England said drivers should pay attention to messages on the overhead electronic signs and listen for radio updates.

According to the Met Office, snow is predicted to start falling from 1am tomorrow in Rotherham and into Sunday.

Temperatures tomorrow will be around -3 deg C.

Highways England’s head of road safety, Richard Leonard, said: “Our gritter drivers will be out treating our roads around the clock but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“Make sure you keep your distance and reduce your speed if you need to travel because, even in conditions that seem normal and when the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh salt has not been worked into the carriageway.

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel if they really need to travel.”

Nicola Maxey from the Met Office said: “It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the latest Met Office forecast and warnings for your area to ensure you’re up to date with the latest situation.

“You can do this by checking the Met Office website for the daily forecast or our warnings page, or you could download our weather app which will ensure you can keep up to date while you are out and about. With the latest weather information for your area, you will be able to prepare for what is in store and plan your activities accordingly.

”Further information can be found by visiting http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by following @HighwaysYORKS on Twitter.