Forecast

The main lunchtime forecast for County Durham states the following:-

 

This afternoon will have further spells of snow although sleet may fall in the most coastal areas. Tonight will see further spells of snow but these should gradually become more confined to the east and some clear spells may develop across western areas. Again, sleet rather than snow may fall in the most coastal areas. RSTs below zero with ice and hoar frost and RSTs will drop sharply in any later clear spells. Tomorrow morning will have snow showers with the continued risk of sleet on the coast.

Forecast Snow quantities:-

1200-1800: A further 3-7cm.

1800-0000: 3-6cm.

0000-0600: 1-3cm, mostly near the coast.

06-1200: 0-2cm.

 

Some drifting is still likely up until midnight.

 

The 5 day forecast states the following:-

 

Staying very cold through the forecast period with RSTs below zero on each night and in places not rising above during the day. Tuesday afternoon will see the more persistent snow clearing away to leave scattered snow showers, giving slight further accumulations in places. The rest of the period is expected to see further snow showers at times, but accumulations should be less than recently and more localized. Possible 1-4cm locally per 24 hour period depending on where showers fall. Coastal and low ground may see sleet or even rain at times. Mostly dry later Thursday and Friday with light winds but a chance of freezing fog patches. The beginning of a change in weather type may become evident on Saturday with rain and hill snow coming from the west, the vanguard of milder conditions next week. However, there is a risk that temperatures will lift less readily and that any precipitation may be snow for a while at the end of the week, even at low levels again.

 

Highways Update

The heavy snow falls over the last 12 hours in particular have been challenging, Highway Services continue with 24 hour cover utilising all in-house gritters which have been supplemented by contractor resource.

 

All Priority 1 routes have been patrolled/treated/ploughed throughout the night and morning, this will continue through the afternoon.

Priority 2 contractors and additional ploughing contractors have been working since 3am and will continue as necessary

 

Whilst many low level routes are now clear of snow priority routes continue to be patrolled and treated as necessary to deal with intermittent heavy snow showers

 

Conditions on some higher routes is more difficult with fog and blowing snow adding to the problems.

Work is continuing in these areas with additional resources from other areas and contractors assisting.

 

In view of the forecasts the preliminary arrangements outlined in this mornings update are confirmed.

DCC gritters will continue to patrol/treat/plough as necessary until forecasts and condition reports indicate that resources can be stood down.

Priority 2 routes will be treated from 4am in the morning.

The situation will be continually monitored with a full review tomorrow morning.

 

Road Conditions including Roads Closed

The following roads are reported as closed

 

• B6278  Eggleston – Stanhope at Shaftwellhead
• B6278 Stanhope – Edmundbyers at Crawleyside.
• Unc Intake Bank, Frosterley
• C21 Rookhope – Allenheads
• B6277 Harwood – County Boundary

 

Some exposed high level Pennine roads are only passable with care.

 

Salt Bins

Gangs continue to replenish salt bins countywide to deal with requests.

 

Streetscene

 

Clean and Green Update

Clean and Green staff are out working clearing priority 1 footpaths and main areas today.  There are Kubota tractors working in the shopping areas at Durham City and Church Street, Seaham.

 

Refuse and Recycling Update

Whilst there are no waste collections today, there is a likelihood that waste collections will be disrupted tomorrow at higher to reach areas such as Consett, Blackhill and Rookhope.

 

Building & Facilities Maintenance

There continues to be delays in responding to requests for attendance to repairs due to the prevailing weather/driving conditions.  Although reports from operational staff on the roads suggest that the condition of the main roads are passable with care however abandoned vehicles and accidents are adding to difficult driving conditions.  Side streets and estate roads are very difficult for Durham Housing Maintenance staff.

 

There are 115 school closures posted on the DCC website which is 40% of all schools in County Durham.  The school closures are predominantly in the North of the County around Consett and Stanley.  Only 6 of the closures are due to heating / building issues.  The vast majority are closed as a result of health and safety concerns in terms of staff and pupils getting to and then back from school and the poor condition of the school grounds generally ie the school’s roadways / car parks, footpaths etc.

 

All public building remain open as far as we are aware and all Civic and Admin Buildings are open and operating as normal.  Staff continue to deal with building issues as they arise.