Met Office: Heavy snow for southern England

Heavy snowfall is expected across southern areas of England that have not seen snow so far during this cold spell, as freezing conditions persist across the country.

The heavy snow that has been affecting Scotland and northern England is moving south and the heaviest falls over the next 24 hours are expected across parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Tony Waters says: “The heaviest snowfall this evening and tonight is expected across parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire where fresh snowfall of 15 to 20cm is expected widely, and locally in excess of 30cm. This is expected to cause disruption to transport networks and could lead to problems with power supplies.”

Our forecasters and advisors are working closely with the Highways Agency, local authorities and Government agencies to ensure the country is prepared for the affects of the weather.

Derek Turner, Network Operations Director at the Highways Agency says:

“We are working flat out to keep our roads safe and serviceable for use. However, it is very important to drive appropriately for the conditions; and even when roads are treated and appear ice and snow free they should still be negotiated with care.”

The current cold weather started in mid December and it has been the most prolonged spell of freezing conditions across the UK since December 1981. Bitterly cold and wintry weather is forecast to continue for the next couple of weeks with further snowfall expected at times.

For the latest forecasts and warnings go to:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html 29

ENDS

Notes to editors

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