SWAN IN A HOLE LOT OF BOTHER
Big freeze
THE cold snap isn’t over for the Westcountry just yet, weather forecasters warned yesterday, with a risk that parts of the region could be waking up to more snow and ice this morning.
The Exeter-based Met Office has a snow and ice warning in place for Devon and Cornwall until 11am today. The yellow severe weather alert came into effect at midnight yesterday and covers most of the two counties.
And a second yellow warning comes into effect later tomorrow, at 9pm and runs until 11am Friday, covering virtually the same large area across the two counties.
Forecasters said icy patches and wintry showers could cause some travel disruption while temperatures in some parts of the South West, particularly Dartmoor, are expected to drop as low as minus 4C overnight.
Most other areas will struggle to get above freezing as the big chill continues. Wintry showers continued to fall across Devon and Cornwall yesterday, causing a number of accidents on the roads, although the region has so far avoided the large accumulations of snow which have affected eastern England, parts of northern England and Scotland.
Today some roads and railways in the Westcountry are likely to be affected with the potential for longer journey times. There is also a warning of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
A widespread frost and freezing fog are forecast for early today with winds rising and a minimum temperature of minus 3C.
Rain or snow and coastal gales are predicted later today, particularly in Cornwall. And it will feel very cold with strengthening winds and a maximum temperature of 4C, but feeling much colder in the wind.
Later tomorrow and into the weekend should see milder conditions, but it will still feel cold. It will be wet and windy in the West on Friday and Saturday with more rain likely on Sunday and risk of coastal gales throughout.
Meanwhile in Scotland temperatures fell to minus 17.1C overnight Tuesday into Wednesday in the Scottish Highlands, setting a record for a new 10-year low.
The Met Office said that Storm Darcy, which caused much disruption last week, has now “definitely” moved on.
The NHS said that despite tough conditions many vaccination centres, even in the worst snow-hit areas had remained open, and any missed appointments would be rescheduled.
Director of Age UK Caroline Abrahams reminded those due to attend that vaccination appointments were “not a one-off” opportunity.
Cold temperatures increase blood pressure, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes in elderly people, and breathing in chilly air can increase the impact of illnesses like flu and pneumonia.
Public Health England in the South West has reminded people to call on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during the cold snap to check they are okay.