Met Office issues ice warning for Shropshire
Ice is expected to become the main hazard this weekend with the Met Office issuing a Yellow Warning for Shropshire following yesterday’s snow.
The weather warning covers Saturday and Sunday, although temperatures are not set to get above freezing until later next week.
Frank Saunders, Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: "Although some further slight snowfalls are likely, with 1 to 2 cm of fresh snow in a few places, the focus switches to ice, with temperatures staying below zero over snow cover for many areas.”
Shawbury’s weather station recorded around 4cm of snow yesterday, the heaviest snowfall was in Wales, where a red warning was issued. Sennybridge in Powys received the highest total, with 26 cm of snow by 12 pm on Friday.
The snow saw the closure of many schools and services. Busses across the county ceased operating and train passengers faced delays.
A number of motorists decided to abandon their cars on the A458 near Much Wenlock, whilst two lorries blocked the A454 Bridgnorth to Wolverhampton road after becoming stuck. The A4117 between the A49 and Cleobury Mortimer was also closed following the snow.
Between 7.15am and 10.15am, over 11 collisions were reported to police, many of them as a result of the weather.
Police in Shropshire are today urging people to look out for their elderly neighbours to ensure they are safe and warm.
Chief Inspector Paul Moxley, who has also made the plea on behalf of other emergency services and the local authority, said the freezing cold and slippery conditions can all but ‘trap' many older and frailer members of the community in their homes.
While police will always attend when concern for a person is reported, he said it was down to all of us to look after one another.
"If you know you have an elderly neighbour who might struggle to get out and about with the snow and ice, please knock on their door or give them a call and check they are ok."
"If you have serious concerns for an elderly neighbour or they seem unwell and have no family available, contact their GP or the ShropDoc out of hours service on 08444 06 88 88. In an emergency, always dial 999," he said.
