21/02/2005

Heavy snow expected across Britain

Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as the UK faces a weeklong spell of treacherous winter weather.

Heavy snow is expected across the UK and the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northeast England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office said snow was likely to affect South Eastern areas and East Anglia this afternoon and evening, and to spread more widely across Southern and Eastern England overnight. Accumulations are expected to be 1-3cm. Snow is also expected in the North. In upland parts of the North East, 10-15cm of snow is expected. Overnight lying snow is expected to remain into Tuesday morning's peak travel period. On Wednesday and Thursday further areas of sleet and snow are expected to cross the UK.

The severe weather has already claimed one victim. A 19-year-old man was killed in a sledging accident, which occurred in Cramlington, Northumberland last night.

The Met Office has stated that the heavy snow and ice warnings would remain valid for the rest of the week, with drivers likely to face disruption from snow and ice until Friday morning.

The drop in temperatures has been blamed on high pressures over northern Europe and Scandinavia, as well as low pressures to the west of the UK.

The Highways Agency have urged road users to take extra care when travelling and to delay their journey, if possible, until conditions improve.

Last week, the Agency urged motorists to carry a 'winter weather' kit in their car, if they had to make journeys during the bad weather. The kit should include: warm clothes, food, water, de-icer, a torch and a spade.

The Agency also urged drivers to check weather forecasts before their journey and listen to information on the radio while travelling.

Motorists were also warned to allow extra time to slow down and stop in icy conditions and reminded to use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, as well as to manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh breaking or acceleration.

(KMcA/SP)

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