Snow warning for Shropshire motorists
Motorists across Shropshire are bracing themselves for more difficult driving conditions during the next 48 hours as weather forecasts predict further snow and cold weather across the Midlands area.
The Met Office is warning snow could hit the region later today or tomorrow and combined with sub-zero temperatures could cause adverse driving conditions and travel disruption.
The Safer Roads Partnership is urging drivers to take extra care and follow their advice about driving on snowy and icy roads.
The advice from the Safer Roads Partnership is to keep well back from the vehicle in front to allow plenty of time to slow down and always look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what other road users might be planning to do.
Katy Jenkins from the Safer Roads Partnership comments: “There is currently a yellow alert for snow for the West Midlands area which includes Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. Motorists will need to take extra care if weather and road conditions deteriorate over the next 48 hours. Vehicle handling can change considerably and it takes much longer to slow down on wet, icy or snowy roads. Steering may become unresponsive and if this happens, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Braking sharply on an icy 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 icy or slippery. Also, look ahead and try to anticipate what other road users might do at junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts.”
Martin Young, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office said: "We are expecting some snow across parts of the country overnight and into Friday. Whilst there is uncertainty about where the heaviest snow will be, we expect a covering of 1 to 5 cm of snow in many areas and possibly up to 10 cm in the worst affected regions of perhaps the Midlands and southeast Wales. As a result there could be some disruption to travel.
"This is a developing situation and we would advise everyone to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings so they are not caught out by the weather."
Jason Glasson, the Highways Agency's severe weather manager, said: "If you really must travel in severe conditions a few simple checks can help you complete your journey safely. Check traffic and weather conditions; check your vehicle before you set out; take a severe weather emergency kit; and always plan your journey. Remember, you should take extra care in winter, even after road surfaces have been treated with salt and are clear of snow."
