Met Office puts out yellow weather warning for snow this week

The Met Office has announced a yellow weather warning for snow in the South Hams this week.  

A yellow weather warning is in place between midnight on Wednesday, 8 March, until midnight Thursday, 9 March, to say that "a period of snow is likely to cause some travel disruption during Wednesday".

What to expect

• There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
• There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
• There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
• A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• There is a slight chance that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times

5 tips for staying safe in snow

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys:

• Plan your route
• Check for delays and road closures
• Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off
• Check wipers, tyres and screenwash
• Pack essentials in your car 
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack

Driving safely in snow

It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:

• Using dipped headlights
• Accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible
• Starting in second gear will help with wheel slip
• Maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles
• Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars
• Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary
• Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes

Thinking ahead and acting now so you can cope if cut off

You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days. Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need:

• Torches and batteries
• Candles and matches or lighters
• Plenty of blankets and warm clothing.

Staying safe if you are cut off

Following these simple steps will help keep you safe and well if isolated due to snow:

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night.
• Turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed to avoid fire risk
• Don’t forget your pets. Create a place where they can be comfortable in severe winter weather.
• Prevent frozen pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
• Stay indoors wearing layers of loose fitting lightweight warm clothing rather than bulky clothing
• Never use a hob or oven to heat your home, they can increase carbon monoxide levels

If you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651