Welwyn Hatfield braced for snow and ice

SNOW showers are expected to be arriving in Hertfordshire this afternoon (Thursday).

Drivers in Hertfordshire are being asked to beware as icy conditions are expected in the next few days along with one to two cm of snow fall today.

“Temperatures are forecast to plummet well below zero today, tomorrow and over the weekend and although our gritters will be out salting the roads, conditions will still be hazardous,” said Stuart Pile, executive member for Highways and Transport at Herts county council.

“I would urge people travelling on Hertfordshire’s roads to take extra care.

“Salt is the best material we have available to treat snow and ice but it isn’t a magic powder that makes roads completely safe.

“Drivers still need to be cautious and aware of the freezing conditions, reducing speed and braking gently. Pedestrians are also asked to take a great deal of care on pavements and when crossing the road.”

According to the council, there is still enough salt available, with salt stocks at over 7,400 tonnes this morning which is sufficient for 30 salting runs (in an average winter gritters usually carry out around 40 runs.

However more supplies are due to arrive imminently.

The website (link, top right) provides information about which roads are being salted and details of when salting runs are taking place.

You can follow Hertfordshire Highways’ salting decisions on twitter as well.