Region braces itself for snow and ice (From Gazette Series)

Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire prepare for snow and ice

3:26pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Liza-Jane Gillespie

SNOW ploughs and gritters are on standby across the region this weekend after weather warnings.

According to the Met Office there is an increased likelihood of snow through Saturday night and Sunday morning across South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the whole of England because of a predicted sustained period of cold weather lasting until next Tuesday, February 7.

Tonight, February 3, temperatures are expected to drop to between minus six and minus 10 degrees.

Tomorrow Saturday, February 4 rain is expected to spread across the South West, with snow likely to fall on hills and in eastern parts.

In Gloucestershire forecasters predict snow will arrive by 2pm tomorrow afternoon with some parts of the county seeing accumulations of up to 3 to 4cm.

South Gloucestershire Council and Gloucestershire County Council both have fleets of snow ploughs readied, and are preparing for all-night operations on Saturday night to grit the region’s roads and plough where snow settles.

Head of street care for South Gloucestershire Mark King said: "The vehicles have already been out regularly this winter to salt South Gloucestershire’s roads and keep our highways safe and clear of ice.

"However this will be the first time we have used the vehicles to deal with snow and the winter maintenance team have been working hard to ready the ploughs for a busy weekend."

In Gloucestershire police are reminding motorists that if they have to travel this weekend to make sure their car is up for the journey, ensure anti-freeze has been added to the radiator, and to take a spade, flask of hot drink, torch, mobile phone, blanket and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Updates about gritting and snow on Gloucestershire roads will be posted on Twitter via @GlosHighways