Devon is currently grappling with significant weather disruptions as heavy snowfall has led to the closure of two schools and multiple travel warnings across the region. On Wednesday, January 8, Stansfield Academy, situated on the outskirts of Exeter, and Hennock Community Primary School near Bovey Tracey, were forced to shut down due to the anticipated heavy snow. Both closures were enacted as authorities warned of risks to travel for staff and pupils.
The Met Office has placed Devon under both yellow and amber weather warnings, cautioning residents about hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibility and slick roads. According to forecasters, snowfall may accumulate between 2 to 10 centimeters, especially on higher ground like Dartmoor.
Earlier today, the yellow warning, which began at 9 AM and will remain effective until 11:59 PM tonight, indicated the potential for significant snowfall to affect southern counties of England. The advisory highlighted concerns for road users, emphasizing the risk of accidents. "A weather system may push snow... which could then prove disruptive," noted the Met Office.
Continuing on this wintery trend, Devon has been observing adverse weather patterns, with snow beginning to fall earlier during the day. Reports from Uffculme described light snow accumulating, transforming to slush as temperatures hovered around freezing. Devon residents are urged to remain cautious and vigilant, with local police reminding everyone to drive carefully due to various road conditions affected by the snow and standing water.
Officials from Devon County Council stressed the need for motorists to adjust their travel plans to accommodate longer travel times and possible detours due to road closures. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, warned, “Tonight will be colder than last night so ice could again be an issue overnight, especially on untreated roads. Parts of Dartmoor are already covered with snow and slush from last night and this could cause difficult travelling conditions.”
With forecasters predicting continued snowfall throughout the day, drivers have been advised to take heed of the warnings and allow extra time for their journeys. Authorities are working to treat precautionary salting routes across the county, monitoring conditions as they develop.
The amber warning introduced later today covers more parts of mid-Devon and concerns significant accumulations of snow, particularly on higher elevations. The Met Office added, "Sleet and snow is expected to continue this afternoon and evening with accumulations of 2-5 cm... up to 10 cm above about 250 m, leading to some travel disruption.” Schools and community services are already feeling the impacts, with several closures expected to extend through the evening as the snow continues to fall.
Transportation options are also being hampered, with numerous reports of significant delays on major routes including the A38. Especially worrisome are reports of vehicles becoming stranded, which may lead to emergency responses for assisting individuals caught on the roads. The situation is exacerbated by increasing visibility challenges, particularly as snowfall blows across roadways from the southwest.
Local residents are also facing concerns over power cuts, which can occur during significant weather events like these, potentially disrupt mobile services and cut off rural communities. Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, highlighted the precarious situation, reiteration the importance of staying updated, saying, “With low temperatures persisting across southwestern parts of England, sleet or snow will fall to low levels through the day.”
The continuous update from the Met Office urges everyone to be aware of the potential for ice forming overnight once precipitation ceases and skies clear after dark. They cautioned about untreated surfaces returning dangerously icy after the snow ends. Such conditions necessitate prompt proactive measures, especially by those tending to elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
Evidently, the current weather events across Devon exemplify the chaos winter brings, prompting local agencies to remain on high alert. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions by listening to local radio and following updates from community and governmental sources.
Overall, as Devon faces this round of winter challenges, it's clear communication and caution remain the priorities for both individuals and authorities alike amid the impending hardships the weather brings.