New weather warning for widespread ice and travel chaos
The Met Office has issued a new warning for widespread ice and possible sleet across the West on Sunday night as driving conditions remain treacherous this morning.Temperatures could reach as low as minus 8 Celsius in Dorchester, forecasters say.
Most rail and bus services have returned to normal following disruption because of heavy snow but drivers are being urged to take care and travel only if necessary.
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The Highways Agency says the M48 Severn Bridge, which has been closed since Friday afternoon, will not open until midday at the earliest after 4in of ice caused vehicles to spin out of control.
Wiltshire Police say Doncombe Hill at Colerne is still shut between the Pinewood Way estate and the bottom of the hill.
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A Met Office yellow alert of ice had already been issued for Sunday morning and a new one will be in force from midnight tonight until 12pm tomorrow.
It says: "Sub-zero overnight temperatures will lead to ice forming where snow has fallen or melted during Sunday or where fresh sleet or snow falls early on Monday.
"The public should be aware of the risk of disruption to travel during this spell of wintry weather."
First Group says many of its Sunday services in Bath and North East Somerset are being affected by the freezing conditions.
A spokesperson said: "We're really sorry if any of you have faced travel disruption as a result of snow or ice.
"Conditions in some places have been, and continue to be, incredibly difficult, but were pleased to say that most routes will running a full route today.
"Our teams are checking routes constantly and we hope that conditions will continue to improve and that we will be able to get all routes back to normal.
"Our best advice therefore is to leave extra time for important journeys."
As of 8.30am, the affected services were:
Route 1 (Ensleigh to Combe Down) not serving Combe Down village, normal service omitting The Avenue, Combe Down, and operating via North Road in both directions;
Routes 6 / 7 (Bath city centre to Larkhall / Fairfield Park) not serving Fairfield Park or Camden, limited service to Larkhall Square via London Rd in both directions;
Route 13 (Foxhill to Bathford) not serving Elmhurst estate;
Route 14/14A (Weston to Odd Down via RUH and city centre) restricted
service to Odd Down missing out Wansdyke estate;
Route 17 (Kingsway to Upper Weston) restricted service;
Route 173 (Bath to Wells) normal route apart from Binegar;
Route 231 /232 (Bath to Chippenham) restricted service;
Route 264 / 265 (Bath to Warminster) omitting Winsley village Seven Stars;
Route 267 (Bath to Frome) road closed at Glasshouse, Critchill estate not serviceable, omitting Rode.
Comments
by jezer
Monday, January 21 2013, 8:22PM
“Well, I'me nearer 70 than 60, and I remember the big freeze of 1963. We had no central heating or insulation then, and schools remained open. We had to make our own way as best we could. I think the trains kept running, and there were no "risk assessments" to worry about.”
by a1rhella1r
Monday, January 21 2013, 2:09PM
“Sorry to disappoint you kranbook, but thanks for the flattery. I'm nearer 60 than I am 50.
However, I grew up in a warm, tropical country, where we just on got with it, no matter what. Britain in the 70s and 80s was more resilient. Also, there were not so many cars or the addictive dependency you have now. That is what I - and think Clarysage50 - were trying to point out.
I remember walking 8 miles or so in the snow 30 years ago as buses between surrey and outer london suburbs didn't run in heavy snow. Started this morning's journey into central London with 4 km walk. Not a problem for me. Neither was it for others. Seems to me that only 'country' people have forgotten how to walk as they are always driving, even if it's 500 metres. Ironic, isn't it?
Yes, agree that Iceland, Canada, Norway, Sweden function well. Then they don't spend a lot of time telling the rest of the world how great they are - or interfering with other nations' politics...”
by kranbook
Sunday, January 20 2013, 11:04PM
“It's obvious that neither of you are over 50 years old else you'd remember that it was normal for this type of weather to abide for a couple of Months per Year, and yet we coped without any difficulties.
If everything comes to a stand-still due to a minor fall of snow, how would Countries ie, Iceland, Canada Norway, Sweden etcetera function ? They just get on with Life rather than start whimpering.”
by a1rhella1r
Sunday, January 20 2013, 7:33PM
“Agree. You can always use a sledge to get to friends places. it's safer and probably quicker than driving anyway....”
by clarysage50
Sunday, January 20 2013, 1:16PM
“Anyone driving unnecessarily at the moment need their heads examined....it is stupidity at its worst. The only drivers to be on the roads at the present time are the emergency services and those caring for the elderly - jaunts to visit friends etc etc (probably just to play in snow) are not only brainless but could even hinder the people who have legitmate needs to be on the road.”