Overnight Sat 9th Jan

There were scattered snow showers throughout yesterday afternoon, some heavy, which gave 1-3cm accumulations in places. The showers died away during the evening to leave it largely dry overnight with variable cloud, although there were a few isolated snow showers giving a further localised dusting. Drifting snow in isolated areas with a NE Wind, particularly on higher ground, was problem.  Several high level roads are currently closed or very difficult but most of these should re-open later today unless the wind causes further problems. All roads reported open in the North of the County.  Whilst it was very cold and road surface temperatures fell well below zero they gradually lifted overnight which helped reduce salting of the Class A & B road network.  Ploughing and patrolling continued throughout the period where necessary.

Road Closures

The following roads were closed or very difficult at 0700hrs but work is ongoing and it is hoped that they will open later today.

B6278 Stanhope – Eggleston

B6278 Stanhope – Edmunbyers

B6295 Cowshill – Allenheads

B6277 Middleton – Alston

B6276 Middleton – Brough

C166 The Stang

C20 Meadows Edge

C77 West Blackdene to Rookhope

C78 North of Westgate

C16.2 Rookhope to Blanchland

C28 Swinhope

C21 Rookhope

Forecast for today Sun 10th Jan

Whilst snow is still expected to spread across the region from the south during Sunday night the severe weather warning has been lifted. Near to the coast, and even elsewhere at times, it could fall as sleet or even rain. The rain, sleet and snow will continue  for most of Monday before slowly dying out by Tuesday morning. So amounts of new snow for the whole event will range from very little near to the coast, just 1-2cms at low levels but still 5-10cms on ground above about 600 or 700ft. Over the very highest ground , above about 1000ft, there is still a possibility of 15-20cms, especially where it drifts around in the strong and cold easterly wind.

Road surface temperatures are expected to fall below freezing but not to the extent of recent nights.

Proposed Actions

Shifts to continue and all routes to be patrolled/ploughed as necessary with salt treatment only on class A & B roads.  The 24hrs shifts to be reviewed on Monday

Salt bins

40 men in teams will be filling salt bins throughout the day and will continue for the foreseeable future enabling residents to help themselves.  This additional resource should mean all bins will be filled within a week.

Footpaths

Teams have been out on Saturday  on a wide range of high priority locations clearing footpaths right across the County. Tractors also assisted along side this for example clearing snow around bus stations and car parks. A presence is being maintained today although focusing on main town centres for Monday morning.

Refuse Collection

Work in housing estates yesterday was really successful and a major operation is underway across the County using tractor gritters and other machinery to clear access to (and into where possible) estates to improve access along Monday’s scheduled collection routes. This is continuing again today.  Please note that snow does accumulate in the wake of the ploughs, in some instances causing local inconvenience. It is essential work however if a safe and determined effort in picking up refuse is to be made.

Starting from Monday morning, and dependent on ground conditions, a substantial deployment of grounds staff will be made, working along side refuse crews. A fleet of wagons will be used to get to the nearest safe access points, and bins and side waste can be taken by staff to these locations. Even with this massive deployment, ground conditions or difficult access are likely to mean that we cannot pick up all the bins on their set day, and if safety considerations dictate there may be need for suspension. Be assured however that we are making a determined effort to do our utmost, with the aim of clearing as many bins on their scheduled collection days this week. We are also, where possible deploying some mopping up from additional areas, subject to progress.

Forecast for the 2 -5 days ahead

As for the rest of the week: The extreme low temperatures have probably now gone but it will stay cold and windy with the possibility of some light sleet or snow on Wednesday into Thursday. Daytime temperatures will just get above freezing in places, with a slight thaw at low levels, but there will be a frost at night, with ice continuing to be a problem.

Beyond that it still looks like somewhat less cold conditions will try to push in from the southwest but any thaw will continue to be gradual.

Salt

Reducing the treated network to Class A & B roads has had a positive impact on salt usage and preserving salt stocks.  Nationally all local authorities have now been asked to reduce their salt usage by 25% to preserve stocks.  In Durham, the measures taken earlier in the week means that we have already achieved this.  Further reductions may be called for next week.

Emergency Services

We are in constant contact with the emergency services regarding access difficulties and up to present there have been few of these.