THE threat of ice and snow is set to return across East Devon tomorr

THE threat of ice and snow is set to return across East Devon tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for heavy snow from tomorrow afternoon, through until Friday. Showers could initially fall as rain, which may then rapidly freeze, but the risk of snow fall of up to 10cm is expected over widespread areas, with the possibility of 20cm on higher ground.

As rain and wintry showers are forecast, Devon County Council is warning that salt could be washed from treated roads and then turn to ice from tomorrow afternoon. Residents are being advised to take extreme care when travelling as ice may form even on treated roads, which could cause problems off the main road network.

Road surface temperatures are only expected to dip below zero in the East and South of the county this evening, but Devon County Council’s control centre will be monitoring the situation, as there is already salt on the treated network to cope with this evening’s freeze.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “The warnings from the Met Office suggest that we could receive more snow over the next couple of days than we’ve had in recent weeks. With the ongoing sub-zero temperatures we’ve been experiencing, our teams have continued to do everything they can to keep our highway network as clear as possible. Although temperatures are relatively mild this evening, conditions are set to worsen tomorrow afternoon and the possibility that rain could lead to black ice.”

Motorists are reminded of the following advice:

* Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;

* Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

* Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

* Drive with care and according to the conditions;

* If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

* Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.

For more information and travel advice visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel