A FRESH weather warning for ice has been issued for Dorset after icy conditions have already caused disruption across the county.
Parts of Dorset were hit with snow overnight, with snow falling on a number of key Dorset routes, namely A354, A35 and A37.
While other areas did not experience any snow, the freezing temperatures overnight and into Sunday morning have caused roads across Dorset to freeze, leading to crashes across the county.
The Met Office has issued another weather warning for ice, which will be in place from midnight until 11am on Monday, January 25.
The weather forecasters warn that the fresh alert will see icy patches ‘likely cause some travel disruption.’
People are being warned of potential injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
Motorists who are making essential journeys are being warned to allow extra travel time and drive with caution.
A description of the weather warning reads: “Icy patches are expected overnight onwards into Monday morning, especially where snow has fallen on Sunday.”
We are following the latest traffic and weather news in a live blog, which can be found below.
What to do if driving in icy or cold weather
The Met Office, with the assistance of Highways England, has published the following advice for travelling in icy or snowy conditions:
During snow or ice
- Avoid travel if possible
- If you must drive check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather. A summary of the advice is: Take care around gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down - it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid braking. If braking is necessary, pump the brakes don't slam them on. If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial
- If you go outside wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to prevent loss of body heat. Watch out for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, slow/slurred speech, memory lapse and drowsiness and frostbite - loss of feeling in and pale appearance of fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes. Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate
- Be aware of black ice. It isn't always visible and so can be an even greater hazard for both motorists and pedestrians. Black ice may be formed when rain or drizzle fall on a road surface which is at a temperature below zero
After snow or ice
- Be careful when walking or driving on compacted snow - it may have turned to ice
- Take care when shovelling snow. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body and can be the cause of heart attacks in the vulnerable
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