Derbyshire folk should consider wrapping up warm this weekend after the Met Office hinted that heavy snowfall is “likely” across the county. An amber snow and ice warning will be in place from 6pm on Saturday (January 4) until 12pm on Sunday (January 3) and is expected to cause nationwide delays to rail and other transport services.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Snow will become persistent and locally heavy as it pushes south to north across the warning area. As well as snow, a period of freezing rain is also likely bringing some hazardous travel conditions, before milder air follows across all areas by Sunday morning.
“Whilst there is some uncertainty in details, 3-7 cm of snow is likely for much of the warning area, with locally 15-30 cm for the higher ground of Wales and the southern Pennines. Freezing rain could lead to ice accretion in places, especially parts of Wales, before the milder air leads to a rapid thaw of snow and ice in the south of the warning area through Sunday.”
The forecaster added that it is safer to avoid travelling in these conditions, but anyone who needs to make a journey should do so safely by: using dipped headlights, accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears. The warning is set to have a “medium-to-high impact” and the harsh weather is “likely” according the the forecaster.
A statement from the Met Office continued: “If isolated due to snow or ice, 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.
“Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.”
What time is snow expected in Derbyshire on Saturday, January 4
- Derby – 9pm
- Swadlincote – 8pm
- Belper – 9pm
- Ashbourne – 8pm
- Matlock – 8pm
- Bakewell – 8pm
- Chesterfield – 8pm
- Buxton – 8pm