Heaviest snowfall for three years
LEICESTERSHIRE saw its heaviest snowfall for nearly three years on Sunday with up to eight centimetres settling in some parts of the county.
The last time this much snow fell over the county was in March 2018, when the Beast from the East blew in.
Leicestershire meteorologist Phil Morrish said: “This weather front had moved in from the south and hit the cold air that has been sitting over us and that’s why we have had lots of snow. In Coalville, Loughborough and Mountsorrel there has been eight centimetres.
“It has sort of stalled over Leicestershire and that has meant we have had snow like we have not experienced since the Beast from the East.”
Snowfall over Rutland has been even heavier, with up to 13cm settling in places.
County Council gritters were out over the weekend trying to keep the roads as safe as possible.
While repeatedly gritting roads on 17 routes across the county, the highways’ teams also attended a number of call-outs, including some road closures.
The county council has a total of 23 dedicated gritters covering 17 routes, who go out spreading roughly 170 tonnes of rock salt.
Efforts are also made to grit one route into most villages where possible.
But although salt helps prevent ice, it can’t melt snow or stop snow falling on top, so motorists are advised to remain cautious.
This year, the council’s grit barns are stocked up with 18,000 tonnes of rock salt, ready to tackle the worst of the winter weather. Community snow wardens also do their bit by gritting paths – and local farmers help out by fitting snow ploughs to their tractors and helping the council to clear roads where necessary.
Around 20 teams have been involved in putting down salt by hand in town centres, particularly around key public locations.
The snowy weather has also affected some services. Some of the county’s waste sites were closed at the start of the week.
Police have been called to help deal with numerous road accidents.
Officers described driving conditions as treacherous and urged people to stick to the national lockdown rules and only travel if it is essential.
Mr Morrish said the snowfall was over for now.
He said Leicestershire could expect a mild but rainy midweek with a colder snap coming back in towards next weekend.