HAMPSHIRE County Council is ready to deploy its winter teams after weather forecasters predict heavy rain turning to snow, followed by a deep freeze.

The forecast is for overnight on Thursday, January 12, and into the weekend, and council winter crews are on standby 24/7 to respond accordingly.

County councillor Rob Humby said: “The heavy rain, turning to sleet and then to snow at rush hour, followed by a high risk of ice for the next few days is certainly going to be a challenge.

“Preparations underway include putting out porous bags filled with salt where water is likely to run onto the roads from surrounding land so that as the water runs through the bags, it mixes with the salt which helps prevent ice forming on the road.

“We have a good stock of salt across Hampshire and teams will be out making sure routes are salted in advance of freezing conditions.

“It looks like we’ll be running salting routes continuously and because of the wet conditions with the forecast for snow, our salting lorries will be spreading the salt very densely.

“This means they will need to restock during their runs and it will therefore take around four hours to complete each route. If we do see the 5cm of snow that forecasters are predicting, we will also be deploying snow ploughs.

“As well as our own winter fleet, we have around 100 farmers ready with snow ploughs, who help keep roads clear for traffic.

“I would ask people to take particular care if they are out and about and urge people to drive according to the conditions at all times, even on the roads that have been salted, and to be patient around the salting lorries.

“People will need to plan their journeys and may need to think about adapting their travelling times. Footways are also likely to be icy, and everyone can help in their neighbourhoods by using the salt bins. Spreading a small amount of salt from the community salt bins on pavements or smaller access roads not covered by the highways crews will make a big impact on ice and frozen snow.”

Salting lorries across Hampshire treat the roads on a priority basis: priority one routes carry the majority of traffic of Hampshire and include A roads, some B roads, major bus routes, roads to emergency services, large schools and public transport areas. These roads carry around 85% of the traffic in Hampshire. In addition to these routes, winter crews will be treating extra ‘Community routes’ overnight to help with access to community facilities such as doctors’ surgeries and smaller schools on Friday morning.

Residents, particularly those in rural areas are also being asked to look out for vulnerable neighbours during the cold weather.

Taking extra care during cold weather is important for everyone, but particularly important for people who are more vulnerable to suffering ill health due to the cold, such as babies and very young children (under 5 years), older people (75+ years), people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Councillor Patricia Stallard, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Health and Public Health, added: “The cold can kill, and while being able to keep warm is important for everyone, it is particularly vital for older people, the very young and those with long term medical conditions. I would encourage people to look out for any vulnerable neighbours, particularly in rural areas, to ensure they are able to stay warm, have warm food and drinks and have a clear access to and from their homes to help prevent them falling.”

For concerns about an elderly neighbour or relative call Hampshire County Council’s Adult’s Health and Care team on 0300 555 1386, during the week in working hours, or call 0300 555 1373 out of hours and on weekends and Bank Holidays.

For more details on roads, school closures, and other emergency information visit the Hampshire County Council website www.hants.gov.uk and follow the ‘emergencies’ link.