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Weather warning upgraded from yellow to amber

By Hugh Fort
January 17, 2013

A yellow severe weather warning issued for London and South East England earlier today has been upgraded to amber from 3am until midnight on Friday with yellow warnings now in place throughout Saturday and for all of Sunday morning.

Heavy snow is predicted to start falling around 9am tomorrow but is expected to ease off in the afternoon.

For more information visit www.metoffice.gov.uk

The fire brigade is warning people to remember the dangers of extreme weather conditions.

Even light snowfall, when coupled with freezing temperatures, can leave roads like ice rinks making them extremely hazardous, say the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS). Drivers are advised to stay at home in the warm rather than risk driving.

South West Trains plans revised schedule tomorrow in the event of snow

However if a journey is absolutely essential follow this advice:

- Allow plenty of extra time for your journey and drive carefully and steadily.

- Remember to allow extra space when manoeuvring your vehicle in slippery conditions.

- Ensure your windscreen, rear screen and mirrors are clear and give other drivers plenty of room as well.

- Keep an emergency kit of warm clothes, a shovel, food and drink, and a fully charged mobile phone in the car in case you get stuck in the snow.

Heavy snow could be coming to Bracknell and Wokingham

- Don’t try and drive through flood water – you have no idea what debris may be underneath it.

They are also reminding people, especially, dog walkers and children to stay away from frozen water.

Olaf Baars, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: “Members of the public can assist us and the other emergency services by not making routine car journeys while there is a large amount of snow and ice on the roads. You can also help us by only calling 999 if there is a risk to life, and following our advice to reduce the risk of an accidental fire starting in your home.

“Never play on frozen water or put yourself in danger by attempting to help a person or animal that has fallen through the ice. RBFRS has a specialist water rescue unit, which is operated by firefighters who are specially trained to deal with water incidents. If someone falls through the ice, do not try to go to their rescue – call 999 instead."

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