03/03/2005

More snow expected to affect UK overnight

The Highway Agency has warned motorists to take extra care on the roads tonight and tomorrow morning, as more snow and low temperatures have been forecast for many areas of the country.

The Met Office has warned that snow and black ice could pose major problems for motorists in central and southern areas on Friday.

Temperatures are expected to drop well below zero again this evening across a large swathe of the country. Rain and sleet is then expected to turn increasingly to snow tomorrow morning as bands of cloud spill southwards through the day.

Black ice is also a potential hazard on pavements and untreated roads, the Met Office warned.

However, conditions are expected to improve steadily from the north through the day as the snow turns back into rain.

Ian Cameron, Head of the Met Office Operations Centre, said: "Disruption to travel networks is a concern, especially as the bad weather will coincide with the Friday morning rush hour for some areas. We're looking at the worst conditions lasting for around two to three hours as the band of wintry weather spreads south through the day."

The Highway Agency said that it had been gritting motorways and all-purpose trunk roads using its fleet of vehicles.

The severe weather conditions have caused chaos across the UK again today, with heavy snow causing serious traffic disruption in Scotland and southeast England. It has also been reported that over 400 schools in Kent and almost 80 schools in northeast Scotland have been closed.

It was reported yesterday that the army had been called in to help with traffic disruption caused by the weather in Kent.

There have also been reports that electricity supplies to around 200 homes in Kent were also cut off by snow.

The Highway Agency is urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads. They advised motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting off on their journey and also urged people to delay journeys if weather conditions are bad.

They also reminded drivers to carry a 'winter weather' kit, containing warm clothes, a hot drink, de-icer, a torch and a spade in their vehicle.

(KMcA/SP)

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