Severe Weather Update – 14.01.10 1600 hours
Dangers of frozen lochs
Dumfries and Galloway Police would like to remind the public of the dangers of using frozen lochs for leisure purposes. While we have had freezing conditions over the last few weeks the current thaw will reduce the thickness of ice making the safety of the ice extremely unpredictable. Dumfries and Galloway Police would like to appeal to the public to stay off the lochs both for their own safety and the safety of those who may attempt to rescue them should the ice give way beneath them.
Travel Conditions
Road conditions across Dumfries and Galloway remain challenging due to the current snow fall and continued patches of ice. Dumfries and Galloway police appreciate that motorists are, in general, heeding advice in terms of slowing down and taking care whilst driving, however a number of minor crashes across the region have occurred this morning. Wet and slippy snow is causing difficulties particularly on higher areas. Motorists are asked to remain totally aware of road conditions and drive according to the prevailing circumstances they find themselves in at any particular time. Anyone who has to travel should check their route for up to date information by visiting www.trafficscotland.org or by telephone on freephone 0800 028 1414 0800 028 1414 . All primary routes and the majority of secondary routes have been treated. We currently have enough salt and grit for approximately 8-9 days of normal operations on major routes and approximately 4-5 days if significant snowfall is experienced.
Neighbourhood Services personnel have continued to clear footways in towns and accesses to schools throughout today. Schools Six schools were closed in Dumfries and Galloway today, all of which are scheduled to reopen tomorrow morning (15th Jan). Look for up the most up to date information on school closures on www.dumgal.gov.uk This information is updated by head teachers and is the best source of up to date information. Alternatively, call 030 33 33 3000 030 33 33 3000 and the call centre staff will have access to this information.
Refuse Collection
If your household waste has not been collected on your scheduled collection date you may put side waste out for your next collection only. This waste does not have to be in Council refuse sacks. Welfare We are using our care for people networks to identify any vulnerable individuals that may require help at this time. Local groups and volunteers are encouraged to use their existing network of contacts to seek out individuals who may need help. This information can be gathered in a variety of ways e.g. ask about the wellbeing of neighbours and friends; ask about individuals absent from any groups, etc.
A Care of People Strategy has been developed and circulated to all Council Services to document issues and processes. If you have any serious concerns about the welfare of yourself or someone you know ring 030 33 33 3000 030 33 33 3000 . Your call will be passed to an appropriate service. Advice on how to deal with particular problems arising from the severe weather is available from Council and call centre.
Weather Outlook Advisory Warnings in place for Dumfries and Galloway Widespread Icy Roads Thurs 14 at 16th Jan A band of rain and sleet, falling as snow on higher ground, will move in from the west. This may fall onto ground either where the temperature is below freezing or where there is existing snow cover. This gives the risk of widespread ice on untreated surfaces. Heavy Rain – Sat 16 Jan There is a moderate risk of severe weather affecting western parts of the UK during Saturday. Heavy rain will move in from the west accompanied by strong to gale force winds. Rainfall accumulations of 15 to 25 mm are expected widely, with up to 40 mm on high ground. With melting snow and ground still frozen in places there is a risk of localised flooding.
24hrs Outlook Light
rain, sleet and snow will slowly die out during the afternoon, although occasional snow flurries and drizzle may continue through the evening, especially on higher routes. A mainly cloudy night, but one or two clear breaks are possible, allowing Road Surface Temperatures to fall close to or a little below zero with ice. From 0500, more persistent rain will move in from the west, lasting through tomorrow morning. This may fall as snow for a time over the higher inland routes. Winds will strengthen and temperatures rise. Snow Summary No more than one centimetre of snow is expected this afternoon/evening. Up to 2-5cm of snow is possible over the highest routes from 0600 to midday tomorrow (above 250-300m). Elsewhere, the precipitation will fall as rain.
2-5 Day Summary Windy outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, for the rest of Friday and early Saturday. Road Surface Temperatures will be above zero on Friday night. Blustery showers will follow for the rest of the weekend, possibly turning a little wintry for a time over higher routes on Saturday night. Further showers or light rain on Monday, but occasional clear breaks will allow Road Surface Temperatures to fall close to or a little below zero on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights with the risk of ice and hoar frost.
Potholes
The severe ice and snow brings about added problems in the form of potholes when the ice and snow leave the road surface. Notify us of potholes or other road defects online at www.dumgal.gov.uk. You may also report road defects 24 hours a day by telephoning 030 33 33 3000 030 33 33 3000 . Contact the Council If you need to contact the Council please call 030 33 33 3000 030 33 33 3000 .
The next Severe Weather Update will be on 15.01.10 at 1100 hours
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