Gloucestershire gears up for snow this weekend (From Cotswold Journal)

Gloucestershire gears up for snow this weekend

2:22pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in News By Freya Leng

HIGHWAYS teams are on standby across the county as snow is expected to hit Gloucestershirein the next few days.

The Met Office predicts that cold temperatures today and tomorrow will lead to an increased likelihood of snow in the south west, with heavy fall anticipated in the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout the day.

Some parts of Gloucestershire are likely to face up to four inches of snowfall, which, added to forecasted winds, could bring blizzard conditions to higher ground.

Gritters have already been out on all A, B and some C roads, as well as routes to emergency services, from fire stations to hospitals. Secondary routes, including remaining bus routes, have also being tackled. We will be out from midnight for further treatments in advance of the snow.

Meanwhile, the council will be monitoring conditions around the clock this weekend, ensuring people can travel as safely as possible across the county. Drivers are asked to take extra care and think about their journeys before setting off.

With salt domes across the county including Moreton, salt levels have been boosted to 11,000 tonnes this winter.

Joining the gritters on standby are parish snow plough operators, in case snow accumulations are greater than expected.

Jenny Goodson, area highways manager, said: “It’s predicted that the county will see its first significant snowfall of the year this weekend and, as always, highways teams are fully prepared for the worst.

“Though we are only expecting a brief period of snow in the coming days, our teams will work hard day and night to make sure the effects of the bad weather are as short-lived as possible.”

"We have more than 100 salt hand-spreaders and 5,500 bags of salt out in the communities to keep grit bins filled.

"Grit bins are provided in rural or problem areas, like steep hills or bends, for local people to treat the roads and pavements themselves – this salt is for highways and not for private use.

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: “We are well aware of what is required of us as a council during periods of severe weather and residents can be assured that teams will be treating the county’s roads before, during and after the snow has fallen.

“It is also important that communities are fully prepared, and that people drive safely and look out for their neighbours, who may need assistance to remain comfortable and warm during this wintry weather.”

To check the latest on any school closures, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/closedschools.

Follow @GlosHighways, @GlosCC, @GlosFire and @Glos_Police on Twitter for updates. Tips on driving in icy conditions can be found at gloucestershire.gov.uk/winter.