Police and firefighters are urging North Staffordshire families and motorists not to put their ‘lives at risk’ during the cold snap. The warnings come as temperatures have plummeted and heavy snow is forecast for the weekend.
Now road policing cops have told motorists to avoid travelling ‘if weather conditions are extreme’ while firefighters in the county have told people to stay away from frozen water and not fall victim to ‘fatal consequences’. Today and a yellow warning for ice will come in at 4pm and run to 10am on Saturday.
Tomorrow will see two warnings – a yellow one for snow and ice between noon and 11.59pm on Sunday – and an amber snow and ice alert running from 6pm on Saturday to noon on January 5. In addition there is also an amber cold-health alert.
In an ever-changing forecast, the Met Office is currently forecasting light snow from 8pm tomorrow in the city that will turn heavy and last until around 6am when it’s replaced by heavy rain. The heavy snow could last even longer around Leek and is still forecast for 6am on Sunday – before heavy rain from 9am.
During that overnight spell and temperatures will drop to 0C – but will feel like -6C. The conditions have however seen opportunistic thieves prowling the city streets and just this morning a defrosting car was taken in Meir.
While police have urged drivers not to leave their cars unattended, road policing cops have urged motorists not to take to the road should the wintry conditions become extreme. Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, who heads up the forces roads policing team, said: “To ensure you protect yourselves and other road users from the impact of icy roads, we suggest that you take a number of precautions.
“Clear your car of ice and snow, including the windscreen, rear window, wing mirrors and roof, before driving. Maintain extra distance from other vehicles and allow for extra braking time. Don’t start driving until the windscreen is fully defrosted and avoid driving altogether if weather conditions are extreme.”
Firefighters have also told people to stay away from frozen water – and be prepared if they are taking to the road. Ian Read, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevent, protect and partnerships, said: “We are urging people not to put their lives at risk, and the lives of others at risk, by venturing onto frozen water.
“Although it may look like it is safe to walk on, it is not. It is very dangerous and can have fatal consequences. Avoid driving if weather conditions are extreme, but if you must drive, plan regular breaks and take an emergency snow kit with you.
“This should include jump leads, a shovel, ice scraper, first aid kit, warm clothing, torch, food and water, sturdy boots or wellingtons and a mobile phone and charger. Also, clear ice or snow from windows, mirrors and lights before you set off and always make sure the windscreen washer fluid is topped up.”
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