Library image – Snow in East Kent –
National Highways is warning motorists of a severe weather alert for snow affecting the South East and South West of England between 12:00 08/03/2023 and 03:00 09/03/2023. Road users are advised to check ahead and plan for disruption to their journeys.
Snow is forecast to move north into the South West and the South East tonight (7 March).
Second wave
Snow amounts are expected to be small but could be widespread away from immediate coastal areas, with 1-2 cm for many and up to 2-5 cm on any modest hills. The snow is expected to ease during the morning but will be followed by a more significant second wave during Wednesday afternoon and through the evening.
Current estimations are for accumulations of 2-5cm widely with a chance of 8-10cm on any modest hills (North Wessex Downs, Surrey Hills, North Downs). Any snow will gradually ease after midnight, followed by a cold night with lying snow and icy stretches leading to residual impacts during the morning travel period.
What to expect:
- Possible travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
- Some rural communities could become temporarily cut off
- There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- A chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable
The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/
Further information about how to prepare for journeys in severe weather in Winter can also be found here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/travelling-in-severe-weather/travelling-in-winter/
If planning to travel road users are advised to plan ahead, you may wish to delay your journey. Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitter feeds. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
“Travelling this winter?
Find out how to make your journeys as smooth as possible, and what National Highways is doing to help you – https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/travelling-in-severe-weather/travelling-in-winter/ “