Met Office issues yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the New Forest and Christchurch
A yellow weather warning has been issued for ice and snow as temperatures plummet across the New Forest and Christchurch following heavy rain.
The alert issued by the Met Office today (Monday) says to watch out for icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. It warns there could be “injuries from slips and falls on icy or snowy surfaces”.
Drivers are advised to avoid travelling if possible, but if they must drive they should slow down, use the highest gear possible, and “avoid harsh braking and acceleration”.
It comes in the wake of heavy rain and strong winds caused by Storm Henk, which saw severe flooding across the area last week. Roads were shut and cars abandoned following “intense rain” last Thursday, and high and rising water levels in Lymington River and the River Avon.
A number of major routes were also blocked by fallen trees last Tuesday, including Christchurch bypass, bringing traffic to a standstill for miles around.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued, jointly with the Met Office, an amber Cold-Health Alert for the south, along with other parts of the country.
Lower-than-average temperatures were forecast for the weekend and for the week ahead, and the alert warns that “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.
Professor Dominic Mellon, regional deputy director for UKHSA South West, said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the UK this week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.
“Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight, as we would expect at this time of year. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days.”
