Weather latest: Snowfall expected to cause travel disruption (From News Shopper)

Weather latest: Snowfall expected to cause travel disruption

11:24am Sunday 13th January 2013 in News By Robert Fisk

SNOWFALL over the next 48 hours is set to cause travel disruption tomorrow (January 14), forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has a level two weather warning in place until Tuesday covering the whole of England, alerting residents to ice, snow and bitter temperatures.

Although it is currently uncertain as to whether the snow will settle in the News Shopper region.

It says an area of sleet and snow will come eastwards across England during early tomorrow morning, probably becoming light and patchy later in the morning as it slows down over eastern areas.

But later in the day tomorrow it is expected to intensify again, at the same time turning back to rain in places.

If it does settle in the area then no more than 5cm accumulations of snow are expected.

The cold weather is likely to linger for the week with the possibility of more light snow flurries in central and eastern England.

The AA has warned that 75 per cent of drivers are not prepared for conditions on the roads, and urged drivers to carry an essential winter kit and check their cars before getting behind the wheel.

The RAC is expecting up to 56,000 breakdowns and widespread disruption.

It has placed extra patrols on stand-by to help stranded motorists and said call-outs are expected to rise by 20 per cent or more.

The Highways Agency has said it is "well prepared" for winter conditions.

A spokeswoman said: "We have a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art winter vehicles on standby, supported by tried-and-tested winter resilience plans.

“We have reviewed salt stock levels and taken action where needed to enhance our resilience and we have again established a reserve salt stock to help ensure that there is enough salt to deal with severe winter."

If the white stuff does fall in the News Shopper email your snow pictures and videos

Also, if you know of any travel disruption or schools being closed contact us

You can also text us at 80360 starting your message with NEWS SHOPPER.