Another week, another weather warning – but this time it’s for snow flurries and ice in Cornwall.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow showers across the South West, from Monday afternoon and into the night.
Some places will see little or no lying snow, but 1-2cm may settle in one or two places, mostly over high ground. In addition, some icy surfaces are possible for a time. However, the chance of this reduces by dawn on Tuesday as snow showers clear to the west and surfaces dry out.
On Monday (January 8) the Packet reported that an amber cold health alert (CHA) had been issued for the South West and the rest of the country until 12pm on January 12. An amber alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period, with the potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required.
The new yellow weather warning is the fourth to be issued for Cornwall since the beginning of the year.
Last week, a yellow warning was issued for strong winds and heavy rain at the start of the week. A second warning was issued for heavy rain later on in the week.
With icy conditions expected, The Met Office is advising members of the public to follow its four tips to stay safe:
1. What if you need to drive somewhere?
Icy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:
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Plan your route.
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Check for delays and road closures.
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Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off.
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Check wipers, tyres and screen wash.
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Pack essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch).
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Take a fully charged mobile phone
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Pack an in-car charger.
2. How to drive safely on ice.
It is safer not to drive in icy conditions, but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:
- Looking well ahead for potential hazards and keeping your speed down.
- Accelerating, braking, steering and changing gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of a skid.
- Using a higher gear may be more appropriate to help grip on packed ice.
- Using a higher gear helps manage engine power making it easier to find traction.
3. What if you're walking or cycling?
- Plan to leave the house five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush reduces your risk of accidents, slips and falls.
- If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
- Take extra care when walking on untreated pavements and prepare for journeys by wearing footwear with a good grip.
- Where possible do not cycle on untreated roads as accidents are more likely.
4. Look out for elderly relatives or neighbours.
During icy and cold weather there are some simple ways you can support elderly relatives or neighbours:
- Check to see if they need any practical help and that they are well.
- Make sure they have enough food supplies in case they cannot go out.
- Offer to clear their paths when you clear yours and spread salt. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear.
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