Northumberland County Council - Teams respond to Amber snow warning

Teams respond to Amber snow warning

06 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

For the latest information on disruption to council services click here

06/01/25 8am

Following the amber weather warning for snow over the weekend, a yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for today which may bring some disruption to services and travel.

For the latest updates including school closures click on the link above.

Council teams in Northumberland are working around the clock to clear snow, grit roads and keep residents safe.

The County Council’s Winter Services Team and its 28-vehicle fleet are equipped to handle any weather challenges.

In addition, spreaders and ploughs are fitted to 4x4 vehicles, strategically positioned around the county to respond to reports in areas which are difficult to access for larger vehicles.

Winter Preparedness in Numbers:

105 dedicated staff members, including managers, supervisors, and drivers.

44,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled and ready.

28 multi-purpose gritting vehicles.

2 specialised snow blowers.

1,600 grit bins and 200 grit heaps distributed across the county.

Coverage of over 3,000 miles of Northumberland roads.

The western area of the county has been the most affected, with drivers reporting up to five inches of snow in places.

The latest Met Office forecasts are available at bit.ly/WxWarning

Tips on staying safe and well in wintry conditions

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous.

It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe. If you must drive, plan your route and give yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.

If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

If isolated due to snow, follow these simple steps to keep safe and well:

keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night;

turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed;

ensure pets are safe by keeping them warm and comfortable;

prevent frozen pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing; stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in.

If you require gritting support or need to report an issue, you can do this via: https://nland.cc/winter-services

Warm Spaces

Away from the roads, a network of community spaces will open across Northumberland during the winter months so people can come together in a warm, safe and welcoming environment.

Voluntary groups, community organisations and others from our communities have opened up the warm spaces in venues such as community centres, church halls, libraries and community hubs.

For more information on warm spaces in Northumberland, opening times and the offer of support go to: nland.cc/Warmspace

Helpline Numbers:

Northumberland County Council emergency out-of-hours service: 0345 600 6400
Onecall is one number for all adult social care, children's services and safeguarding in Northumberland - helping the most vulnerable people to keep safe and well. Call 01670 536 400 24/7.
Northern Powergrid or call 105.
SP Energy Networks or call 105.
Northumbrian Water: or call 0345 717 1100.
Northumberland Communities Together (for anyone struggling with food supplies or other essentials) Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm: 01670 620 015.
If you are experiencing an emergency call 999.