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SCHOOLS were closed, roads have been hazardous and public services disrupted as severe winter weather swept through Teesdale today.
But it’s not all been bad – the dale has looked stunning in the snow and there have been plenty of opportunities for family sledging.
Ken Cook, Teesdale’s weatherman for the Met Office, says there is more to come. His forecast is for a mostly cloudy night with snow, heavy at times, and drifting. Mr Cook, who is based in Copley, says there will be heavy snow tomorrow.
Durham Police today advised motorists not to travel unless absolutely essential. The A66 trans-Pennine route remains shut and other roads, especially rural routes, have been treacherous for motorists.
Inspector Ed Turner, from Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “A lot of schools were closed today and that has had a positive impact on the number of people on the roads, which has resulted in fewer accidents.
“The accidents we have seen have thankfully been of low impact at very slow speeds, with no injuries reported.”
He added: “As the wintery weather continues over the next few days, we would advise people to really think about whether they need to travel – if your journey is not absolutely essential, then our advice would be to leave the car and remain at home.
“If you do have to have to travel, make sure you and your car are fully prepared. You should allow extra time for the journey, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and make sure your car is fully cleared of snow before setting off.”
An amber weather warning remains in place until 6pm tomorrow. Durham County Council says work is continuing to keep services running.
Gritter crews have been working throughout the day, and following a break in the snow, have managed to clear many priority one routes, a spokesman said.
The council said it has good salt stocks and with further deliveries due to take place, crews will continue to plough and treat these routes through the evening and into tomorrow morning.
The B6277 at Harwood, the B6276 at Lunedale, the C27 between St Johns Chapel and Langdon Beck and the B6278 between Stanhope and Eggleston remain closed.
A council spokesman said: “The heavy snowfall has made it particularly difficult for refuse and recycling crews to carry out collections and there has been significant disruption to services. Anyone whose bin has not been collected is asked to leave it out so that it can be emptied over the coming days.”
Members of the public are also being encouraged to check on friends, neighbours or relatives who may need assistance, with everyone, but particularly those who are older or vulnerable reminded of the importance of staying warm and well in the cold weather.
Amanda Healy, the council’s director of public health, said: “When the temperature drops, people are at increased risk of a wide range of conditions including flu, pneumonia and hypothermia, with young children, older people and those who are disabled or have a long-term condition most at risk.
“It is, therefore, extremely important that people take extra care of themselves during the type of weather we are currently experiencing.
“We would advise people to ensure their home is warm, they have at least one hot meal a day and regular hot drinks and keep active. If possible, it is always best to stay at home during very cold weather.
“We would also ask people to check on neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe and well, are warm enough and have plenty of food and any medications.”
For updates on all council services as well as school closures, visit www.durham.gov.uk
