Heavy snow expected for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from late afternoon and overnight

Partner Agency Media Release for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Adverse Weather Office 5/1/2010 at 13:00 hours

Heavy snow expected for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from late afternoon and overnight

Emergency services and local authorities are issuing advice and guidance to residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as the two counties are expected to be hit by heavy snowfall from late afternoon and overnight.

Initial weather warnings expect the region to be widely affected with particular focus in the west and in the north of the county.

We expect widespread disruption to transport networks over the next two days. Employers are encouraged to consider allowing staff to leave early today and stagger the departures, wherever possible, to get home safely and avoid traffic congestion.  Keeping the roads clear is particularly crucial at this time in order for salting lorries to be able to travel the network and salt the roads without delay.

Residents with children at school are advised to check the school’s own website as decisions about school closures will be made independently by the head teacher and governing body.  Details about school closures for Wednesday 6 January will be available on the BBC Hampshire web page as they are notified.

Residents planning journeys for later today are advised to reconsider venturing out if their journey is not essential.  If people do have to travel they should make sure they have warm clothes and a blanket, food, water, boots, a torch, spade and a fully charged mobile phone.  They should also let someone know their route and when they are expected to arrive.

People are being urged to be good neighbours and look out for their elderly neighbours.

Residents can help elderly people by seeing if their neighbours need any shopping so they don't have to make any unnecessary journeys and help keep their driveways clear of ice and snow so their carers can access them safely, or if older residents do choose to venture out that they can do so safely.

Overall the advice is go in, stay in tune in – regularly check the local radio and TV news and BBC websites for the latest information from the emergency services and local authorities.

For further advice on driving safely on winter roads, visit the Highways Agency on www.highways.gov.uk.

Kate Ball
Head of Media Communications
Hampshire County Council
The Castle, Winchester S023 8UJ
Tel office  01962 845626
mobile 07545 735661
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre

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