Residents in Northumberland reminded to only travel if absolutely necessary!
05 Feb 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Ahead of weather warnings for the weekend, Northumberland County Council is reminding people that on top of the current the lockdown restrictions, they should only be travelling if absolutely necessary.
Anyone who has to travel this weekend should be prepared for difficult driving conditions due to forecasts for strong winds, heavy rain, snow and ice.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for rain until lunchtime on Saturday, and then heavy snow and ice with freezing temperatures from Saturday right through until the end of Monday.
Rain and snow thaw are likely to cause localised surface water flooding at prone low-lying locations on the roads, and there will be difficult driving conditions due to snow/ice particularly on high ground routes.
The forecast strong winds, snow showers, sub-zero temperatures and wind chill will make being outdoors particularly unpleasant in places, and mean potentially dangerous conditions for anyone who decides to travel!
Council teams are well prepared to deal with the conditions that may arise, continuing with their ongoing winter weather road treatments and also having gully clearing machines and other support services on standby.
Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader and cabinet member responsible for local services at the council said: “Our teams are ready to deliver all the services that are needed, across Northumberland, to deal with the wintry weather conditions that are being forecast for the weekend and beyond.
“Under the lockdown restrictions we are already advising people to stay at home, and the Met Office winter weather warnings expected makes this even more important.
“We are therefore reminding people that under the lockdown restrictions they should only go out or travel if it is absolutely necessary to do so.
“There are going to be some difficult driving conditions out there over the next few days so it's even more important to follow the ‘stay home’ guidance as we don’t want anyone to put themselves or others at risk.
“I would like to reiterate my thanks to all council staff for their hard work and ongoing commitment to delivering winter weather services, and keeping the roads clear and safe for those who need to make absolutely essential journeys.”