Dorset suffering cold snap as warnings issued to public

As flood water remained on roads and footpaths and temperatures plummeted to below freezing, there was a higher risk of icy patches and multiple road collisions were reported across the county yesterday.

Although it is not known if they were all weather related they came at a time when there was a widespread ice warning across the county. 

Five crashes were reported on Monday morning, including along the A35, the A37, the coast road between Bridport and Burton Bradstock, and in Sherborne and Sturminster Newton.

A crash between a motorbike and a vehicle on the A35 at Chideock left the main road blocked for just over half an hour following a fuel spillage.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert until 12pm on Friday, January 12, whilst the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for ice from yesterday, which is set to continue into this morning.

Minimum temperatures are expected to be around 0 degrees or below until Thursday.

The cold snap comes after severe flooding and high winds brought on from Storm Henk last week

Dorset Council’s gritting teams have been out in force, gritting 22 of the county’s roads overnight, and advice is being issued to roads users with precarious conditions expected on the roads this morning.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Our gritters will be out again today and later tonight. If you find yourself behind a gritting vehicle, please be patient.

“Please take care on treated and untreated roads, especially where water still remains.”

READ: NHS Dorset offers advice to stay healthy during cold snap

People are being urged to stay warm and healthy as the cold snap takes hold (Image: Newsquest)

Emergency services are offering advice to motorists to take care and make sure they are prepared for whatever conditions they may face.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging drivers to have an emergency kit in their car.

Items they suggest including are an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, a torch and spare batteries, a shovel and a first aid kit.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As the cold weather continues, we are sharing the following advice: take care in icy and snowy conditions; check the weather forecast if you have to travel, charge your mobile phone, stock your vehicle with your essential winter kit, and tell someone where you’re going; look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.”

READ: Emergency measures in place in Dorset as temperatures drop

Warm hubs or banks have been set up across Dorset for people to use (Image: Newsquest)

Staying warm and safe is vital during the extreme cold weather, especially those who are more at risk.

NHS Dorset recommends for those who are less mobile, over 65 or have a health condition to keep their homes heated to 18C.

They also suggest using a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed but to not use both at the same time.

Warm Hubs or Warm Banks have been set up across Dorset as places people can drop into and stay in the warm.

There are often free refreshments, sometimes free WIFI or computer access to the internet, and things for children to play with.

Dorset Council has also triggered its emergency cold weather provisions for rough sleepers due to a significant drop in temperatures. 

If you know of a person sleeping rough, please report them to allow for shelter to be found via https://orlo.uk/EP06n

To find out where your nearest warm space you can go online at www.helpandkindness.co.uk/warm-welcomes-in-dorset/warm-spaces-and-places