The Met Office has updated a weather warning as Arctic weather blasts the Westcountry. The alert for snow and ice runs from 5pm on Wednesday, December 7, to 6pm on Thursday.
The Exeter-based Met Office is warning of disruption to road and rail travel due to icy conditions, and says people may be at risk of injuries from falls on pavements.
It said in the Yellow Warning updated on Wednesday morning: “Some roads and railways may be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.”
The area covered by the weather alert runs over the northern half of the Westcountry from Cornwall into Somerset, including Exmoor. It comes as the UK Health Security Agency has issued a level three cold weather alert across the country from 6pm on Wednesday to 9am on Monday.
The forecast is for the temperature to drop below zero overnight in Somerset, with Wiveliscombe predicted to experience minus 4 Centigrade under clear skies. Gritters have been out treating main routes across Somerset as surface temperatures have fallen below zero already this week.
Overnight lows of minus 10C (14F) are predicted in northern Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the east coast. The national health alert has been triggered because severe cold weather is likely to have a significant effect on people’s health, especially those with underlying conditions.
Somerset County Council’s public health team is encouraging people to keep warm and look out for people at risk from the effects of the cold.
Cllr Adam Dance, Lead Executive Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk. Staying warm during cold weather is really important and there are some simple steps we can all take to help ourselves and vulnerable friends and family. In rooms you use often such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can.
“If you are unable to keep your home warm, please do take advantage of the Warm Welcome spaces that have been set up across Somerset. These venues offer a warm and friendly environment where people can socialise, stay warm and access information and support for their wellbeing.”
The county council has its top tips to prepare for colder weather:
- Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
- There are grants, benefits and advice to help make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in. Find out more at www.somerset.gov.uk/cost-of-living
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over. If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep. If you are unable to keep your home warm, visit one of Somerset’s Warm Welcome spaces. Find a space near you and check their opening days and times at Find a Warm Welcome | SPARK (sparksomerset.org.uk).
- Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good for maintaining body heat.
- If eligible, seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some.
- Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour, get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day.
- Prepare for cold weather. Stock up on tinned and frozen foods, warm clothes and any medication so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.
- Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.