Ice warning for Somerset roads as UK prepares for sleet and snow
Somerset should avoid the worst of the sleet and snow forecast to hit the UK this weekend, but can still expect icy conditions on the roads.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for ice in the county, which is in place from 6pm on Saturday evening until 10am on Sunday morning.
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Somerset drivers are being warned to expect icy conditions on the roads this weekend
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The Met Office's deputy chief forecaster Baden Hall discusses the potential for snow this weekend. Watch the Met Office forecast video below
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The Met Office's yellow warning for ice is in place across the West
A yellow warning for sleet and snow has been issued for eastern parts of Wales and south west Midlands, but not the South West.
The Met Office is forecasting outbreaks of rain and possible sleet or snow during the afternoon and early evening on Saturday, followed by below freezing temperatures overnight which is expected to create hazardous conditions on the county's roads.
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Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: "All parts of the UK will see cold weather setting in over the weekend.
"We can expect sleet and snow showers to affect eastern areas at times, but with a battle developing between the cold air in the east and mild air pushing in from the west, no one should be surprised to see sleet or snow over the weekend and early next week."
A Met Office spokesman said: "The reason for the cold weather is that an area of high pressure develops over Scandinavia, allowing cold air from the Baltic and western Russia to move towards the UK.
"At the same time milder air and Atlantic weather systems are trying to push in from the west, leaving the UK as the battleground where they meet."
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is warning motorists to adapt the way they drive to suit the freezing conditions.
Head of road safety Kevin Clinton said: “The most important thing to remember about driving safely in wintry weather is to be prepared.
"Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and add enough time for a journey so you are less likely to rush to make up for any delays.
“In extreme conditions, only make a journey if it is absolutely necessary. Don’t drive as normal on snow or ice, but reduce your speed to avoid the chance of skidding.
"Remember to increase stopping distances massively as you may need up to ten times the normal distance when braking on icy roads.
“Speed limits are the maximum for ideal conditions, so in difficult conditions, they are often too fast, especially on bends and corners.”
Click here for the latest Somerset weather forecast.
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