Forecast snow could cause problems for motorists

Cold temperatures and rain showers will bring a risk of icy conditions across a large part of the country including Shropshire. Outbreaks of heavy rain will turn to snow during the early hours of Friday.

Anthony Astbury, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: "The unsettled weather over the next few days could bring a range of hazards across the country, from snow and ice to heavy rain and strong winds.

"We're working closely with government agencies and the resilience community to keep them up to date with the latest information. We'd advise the public to regularly check our latest forecasts and warnings to stay up-to-date with the situation."

Drivers should be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions
The Safer Roads Partnership is urging drivers to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions tomorrow and in the event of severe weather follow their advice about driving on snowy, icy and wet roads.

The advice from the Safer Roads Partnership is to keep well back from the vehicle in front and allow plenty of time to slow down. Drivers are advised to look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what other road users might be planning to do especially at junctions and roundabouts.

Katy Jenkins from the Safer Roads Partnership comments: “Heavy rain turning to snow is predicted in the early hours of Friday morning for the Midlands region which may lead to hazardous driving conditions throughout the morning. Motorists need to take extra care if weather and road conditions deteriorate. Vehicle handling can change considerably and it takes much longer to slow down on wet and snowy roads. Steering may become unresponsive and if this happens, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Braking sharply on a snowy, icy or wet road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid.”

“It is advisable to allow more time when pulling out of junctions, entering roundabouts and when merging with flowing traffic to enable you to do so smoothly, rather than accelerating quickly and risking wheel spin if the road is wet or icy. Also, look ahead and try to anticipate what other road users might do at junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts.”

The Safer Roads Partnership is also advising drivers to pack an ‘Emergency Kit’ in case of break down or delay. The kit should include items such as an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food and drink and sunglasses to help see in low winter sun.