Sussex braces itself for more snow and ice (From The Argus)

5:21pm

Horsham District Council has issued advice to its residents.

A spokesman said: "With severe weather in the forecast for the Horsham District, residents in the Horsham District should continue to monitor the Horsham District Council website (www.horsham.gov.uk) and the Council's Facebook and Twitter pages for any updates on Horsham District Council services.

"If there are delays to bin collections and other services during this period of winter weather, please bear with us and continue to check online for updates, where information will be posted as soon as it is available."

4:57pm

4:43pm

West Sussex County Council has released the following update following the Met Office's latest severe weather warning:

"This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable people. Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, influenza and other diseases.

"Some groups are particularly susceptible to the effects of very cold weather such as older people, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

"The expected conditions also have the potential to cause significant disruption to travel and the potential for ice to build up on power lines.

"Ice still remains a high risk and as temperatures drop driving conditions will become dangerous, extra time and care should be taken for journeys.

"In preparation for this winter WSCC have filled existing salt bins and are filling new bins at present, they have also delivered 180 bulk bags of salt/grit mix to key storage facilities around the county."

4:43pm

West Sussex County Council has released the following update following the Met Office's latest severe weather warning:

"This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable people. Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, influenza and other diseases.

"Some groups are particularly susceptible to the effects of very cold weather such as older people, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

"The expected conditions also have the potential to cause significant disruption to travel and the potential for ice to build up on power lines.

"Ice still remains a high risk and as temperatures drop driving conditions will become dangerous, extra time and care should be taken for journeys.

"In preparation for this winter WSCC have filled existing salt bins and are filling new bins at present, they have also delivered 180 bulk bags of salt/grit mix to key storage facilities around the county."

4:17pm

4:12pm

Sussex hospitals are also on standby for the bad weather.

Staff have been asked to ensure all wards and rooms are kept warm and to consider the weather when discharging elderly and vulnerable patients to make sure enough support is available for them.

They are also being asked to consider alternative arrangements if their usual method of getting in to work is affected.

3:48pm

3:45pm

The exotic animals at a zoo are well-prepared for any snowfall in the next few days.

Drusillas Animal park near Alfriston took delivery of 80 bales of straw and 40 bales of hay yesterday to ensure all the animals keep warm and cosy if the snow arrives.

Drusilla's next new arrival, Tibao the red panda, will be happy he does not come until Easter, when the weather will hopefully be a bit warmer.

3:37pm

3:14pm

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert and is warning motorists to be prepared for fresh falls of snow, heavy in places, on Friday morning.

Motorists are advised to check the weather forecast this evening and allow extra time for their journey in the morning.

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre says: "It would certainly be a good idea to check the latest forecast before you go to bed tonight so you’re prepared for the morning – and then set your alarm a bit earlier so you have extra time to prepare your car and make your journey in the morning.

"During periods of severe weather we also suggest people consider whether their journey is essential.

"They may want to delay their travel until conditions improve and to allow our winter fleet the chance to treat the roads."

The Highways Agency, which looks after motorways and major A roads in England, has a 500-strong fleet of salt spreaders and snow ploughs available.

They have been constantly treating the roads as necessary and have already travelled more than 650,000 miles this winter.

Steve Crosthwaite added: "We are using salt to treat the road network and have ploughs and snow blowers on standby if necessary.

"Our traffic officers are working around the clock to monitor our road network, deal with any incidents and keep traffic moving."

2:44pm

Southeastern is warning passengers that heavy snow and icy weather conditions forecast for tomorrow are likely to affect train services.

Passengers are advised to check for live travel information before travelling and allow additional time when making a journey.

A Southeastern spokesman said: “Weather forecasts are predicting moderate to heavy snow to fall across the south east network from early tomorrow morning.

"We’re reliant on Network Rail clearing the tracks and ensuring points and signals don’t freeze up so we can run a train service. Given the weather forecast, there may be disruption on some routes through the day.

"Our staff will be out working to clear platforms and treat icy surfaces and Network Rail will be running snow and ice clearance trains day and night to help keep the network open.

“We’re advising all passengers to check before travelling to see if train times have been altered, allow plenty of extra time and take extra care on the slippery roads and footpaths.”

2:11pm

Gatwick Airport has advised passengers to allow extra time to get to their flights given the forecast for heavy snow.

A spokesman said: "Snow is forecast to fall at Gatwick tomorrow. We advise you to allow extra time for your journey and to check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport."

1:43pm

Southern are operating an amended timetable on Friday due to the forecasted snow.

A spokesman said: "The latest weather forecast for tomorrow suggests significant snowfall across many parts of the Southern network.

"In preparation for this, Southern will be operating an amended timetable for Friday 18 January.

"Trains will not split or join at Haywards Heath or Horsham stations, and will mean passengers who travel on the East and West Coastways into and out of London may be affected."

Southern is advising passengers check their train times before travelling.
 

1:22pm

The Met Office has upgraded the severe weather warning for the south east from yellow to orange for snow.

The latest forecast said: "A band of snow, heavy in places, will spread northeastwards across Wales and the southwestern half of England, during Friday morning, lasting through the afternoon and evening across much of Wales, the Midlands, southern and parts of southeast England.

"Winds will strengthen, leading to drifting of lying snow.

"Accumulations of more than 5-10 cm of snow will occur quite widely, with 15 cm in some western areas, falling within 3-6 hours.

"The public should be prepared for disruption, including altering travel plans."

The orange severe weather warning means there is likely to be widespread snow with a number of road closures, others passable only with care.

People should be prepared for some disruption to road, rail and air transport with difficult driving conditions likely and longer journey times.

12:14pm

Age UK has released advice for elderly people to cope in the cold conditions.

A spokesman said: "Exposure to cold weather for prolonged periods of time can be dangerous.

"It raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and can cause problems for people with breathing difficulties such as asthma.

"If there is anyone you know who might be at risk, make sure they know what to do."

They advise:

• Keeping your bedroom windows closed at night

• Wrapping up well when you go outside

• Keeping your living room at 70F (21C)

• Keeping your bedroom at 65F (18C)

11:38am

More ice and snow is on its way after the latest cold snap caused problems on the county’s roads.

Two vehicles crashed just after 8am yesterday in Ditchling Road, near the junction with Coldean Lane, Brighton.

One vehicle ended up on its roof but no one was injured. Xander Hugh, who saw the accident, said: “Even at under 10mph driving past, my car lost traction and began to skid. Fortunately I was able to recover control, but can see why there has been an accident.

“There appeared to be no grit on the road at all.”

There was also a single vehicle collision in Ditchling Road at 7.10am, where the driver skidded on ice near the A27 junction. It is believed the driver was unhurt.

Both Eastbourne lifeboats had to brave freezing condi- tions when they were called into action on Tuesday.

Shortly before 6pm both boats were requested to launch by Dover Coastguard in response to reports of a person in the water west of Eastbourne pier.

When on scene, the crews found the distressed person to be ashore and in the cus- tody of police and coastguard officers.

Both boats were stood down. Another request to launch the all-weather lifeboat was received at 9.10pm.

A crewman had been taken ill aboard a 20m yacht off Beachy Head on passage to the Solent.

When the patient’s condition had been assessed he was transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Sovereign Harbour, where he was passed into the care of a waiting ambulance crew for onward transportation to Eastbourne DGH.

More snow is on the way, with up to 10cm expected tomorrow on high ground.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “We will start to see some snow about 7.30am in the northern parts of the county on Friday.

“We are expecting 2 to 5cm with up to 10cm on higher ground.

“Coastal areas can expect sleet and rain.”

There is a yellow extreme weather warning for the area on Friday with disrup- tion expected during Friday night.

And there is a further yellow alert for ice over the weekend.