JERRY'S BLOG: Media News : Snow & Cold Weather Advice

Friday 18 December 2009

Snow & Cold Weather Advice

Keep warm, keep well

The Department of Health recommends the following practical steps to minimise the risks during cold weather:

have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter
wear several light layers of warm clothes
keep as active as possible
remember to wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said: “Remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. In particular, they need to keep their home at the right temperature - between 18 and 21 degrees Centigrade or 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit -, and if they can’t heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep. The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.”

Very cold weather advice from NHS Choices Opens new window

Keep Warm Keep Well

Weather forecast

Traffic and travel advice

The Met Office says that 5-10cm of snow will fall in places on low ground and 15-20cm over hills. The area affected stretches from the Scottish border, through Yorkshire and Humber, the East Midlands, East Anglia, to London and South East England. The snow showers are expected to gradually die out from the north of the area through the day. Some drifting snow is likely in the strong north to northeasterly wind.

Severe weather warnings from the Met Office Opens new window

Taking care in winter

Travel update

Direct to your mobile

Text TRAVEL to 83377 for the latest on any delays on roads, rail and public transport, sent straight to your mobile. Standard network rates apply

Roads

The Highways Agency has advised drivers that snow will affect many routes at times overnight.
The areas most at risk of several inches of drifting snow are in the east, especially from Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, through East Anglia into the south east. However, the north east and trans-Pennine routes will also be affected. Further to the west, such as in Cumbria and the southwest, only a few brief snow showers are likely. All parts will be very cold and windy, so adding some additional clothing, and a hot drink to your luggage is advisable in case of a break-down.
On Friday East Anglia and the south east can expect further snow showers throughout the day. Elsewhere, the day will become largely fine with good visibility, and the strong wind will ease down. Road users are advised to check conditions on the Highways Agency website or the media.