By a County Press reporter
Thursday, January 17, 2013
POLICE are urging people to avoid travelling tomorrow morning (Friday) because of the forecast for heavy snow.
The Met Office is predicting heavy overnight snowfall, starting in the early hours of Friday between 4am and 8am through to lunchtime. There is also the likelihood of strong winds which could lead to drifting snow.
Chief Inspector Gary Cooper, from Hampshire Constabulary’s critical incident cadre unit, said: "Our advice at this stage is if you can avoid travelling on the roads tomorrow morning, please do.
"Keep journeys to only those that are absolutely necessary - at all costs we want to avoid a repeat of traffic chaos we have had during snow in previous years.
"Those that have the flexibility in their job to work from home - tomorrow would be a very good day to do so.
"Together with our partner agencie,s we are setting up an adverse weather office based at our support headquarters at Netley, to monitor the situation as it develops and manage any issues that arise caused by the snow. Our unified aim is to keep everybody safe and moving."
Gritters will be out on Island roads from 4am tomorrow morning to salt the usual routes. The Isle of Wight Council is advising drivers to take care on all roads in icy conditions, even salted ones.
The council warned school closures were possible and information would be given on the authority’s Twitter and Facebook sites, which would be updated constantly from the early hours, with the Isle of Wight Council website and local media.
The overnight shelter for homeless people at Downside is due to be open tomorrow (Friday) night.