WEATHER UPDATE: Amber warning over weekend ice (From Messenger Newspapers)

WEATHER UPDATE: Amber warning over weekend ice

3:46pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News

THE Met Office has issued an amber warning for the weekend, with ice likely to be the main problem.

An active frontal system moved in from the west today, Friday and brought widespread snow across many parts of the UK.

Phil Evans, Met Office director of Government services, said: “Based on the forecasts and warnings from the Met Office, local councils, emergency services and highways authorities have been working around the clock to minimise the impacts of today’s heavy snow.

“For example, highways authorities have deployed gritters and snow clearing equipment across the road network and Age UK have had volunteers out helping older people across the country.” As the snow eases across many areas, ice is expected to become the main hazard over the weekend and yellow warnings have been issued across much of Britain.

A yellow warning means people should be aware that severe weather is forecast and should plan ahead to take account of possible travel delays or disruption.

Frank Saunders, Met Office chief forecaster, said: “Although some further slight snowfalls are likely, with 1cm to 2cm of fresh snow in a few places, the focus switches to ice, with temperatures staying below zero over snow cover for many areas.

“The public should be aware of the risk of localised disruption to transport during this spell of wintry weather.”

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre said: “We advise drivers to check road conditions and the Met Office weather forecast before they set off and during severe weather to consider whether their journey is essential.

“They may want to delay their travel until conditions improve and to allow our winter fleet the chance to treat the roads.

“Our traffic officers are working round the clock to monitor the network, deal with any incidents and keep traffic moving.”

Over the weekend we will see less severe conditions across the UK but further outbreaks of sleet and snow are possible in places.