Schools closed as snow causes chaos

Dozens of schools were closed today as snow cloaked the county.

There was traffic chaos in Exeter and several accidents were reported on the roads.

Drivers were being urged to only travel if necessary.

The A30 in Cornwall was impassable due to snow and lorries stuck on hills on A30 in both directions between A38 (Carminow Cross, Bodmin) and A388 Western Road (Pennygillam, Launceston). Either side of Jamaica Inn.

A power cut was reported in Crediton with the National Grid hoping to resume service by late morning.

David Miller, who lives in Exeter, had a hospital appointment just a short drive from his home in Cyst Heath at 8.30am but was still stuck in traffic at 9am.

He said: "It's absolute chaos. There are cars slipping and sliding everywhere and the snow is settling really quickly."

Schools closed include:

• Queen Elizabeth's, Crediton
• Branscombe Church Of England Primary School
• Clyst Vale Community College
• Newton St Cyres Primary School
• Silverton Church Of England Primary School
• Matford Brook Academy
• Barley Lane School
• Thorverton Church Of England Primary School
• Landscore Primary School
• Sandford School
• Brampford Speke Church Of England Primary School
• Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School
• Cheriton Bishop Community Primary School
• Spreyton School
• Halwill Community Primary School
• St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School
• Lifton Community Academy
• Sidbury Church Of England Primary School
• Bow Community Primary School
• ISCA Academy
• St Luke’s Church of England School
• St James School
• Honiton Community College
• Copplestone Primary School
• St Peter’s Church of England Aided School
• Doddiscombsleigh Primary School
• Hayward’s Primary School
• Exwick Heights Primary School
• West Exe School
• Southbrook School
• South Tawton Primary School
• Ladysmith Junior School
• Ladysmith Infant and Nursery School
• Yeoford Community Primary School
• Bradford Primary School
• Alphington Primary School
• Stansfield Academy
• Upottery Primary School
• Newton Poppleford Primary School
• Colyton Primary Academy
• Kenn Church Of England Primary School
• The King’s School, Ottery St Mary
• Bridgerule Church Of England Primary School
• Black Torrington Church Of England Primary School
• Witheridge Church Of England Primary Academy
• Bridestowe Primary School
• Highampton Community Primary School
• Sampford Peverell Church Of England Primary School
• Lydford Primary School
• Rockbeare Church of England Primary School and Pre-School
• St Nicholas Catholic Primary School
• Kilmington Primary School
• Offwell Church Of England Primary School
• Bowhill Primary School
• Ilsington Church Of England Primary School
• Cranbrook Education Campus
• Whimple Primary School

The RAC have issued the following advice for driving in the snow:

Plan your journey

Before you set off, plan your journey carefully. Use the RAC Route Planner, or similar, to get updates on traffic news to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

Consider areas that are going to be exposed to the elements, and perhaps prone to flooding. Keep up-to-date with local weather to ensure you aren't caught out.

Give yourself more time for your journey

Allow for more time than you normally would before you leave to clear car windows, mirrors, lights and the top of your roof of snow before setting off, driving with snow on you car could result in you breaking the law.

You will also need to de-ice your windscreen - which is a vital part of winter driving. Pay attention to these tips to keep your windscreen clear.

Knowing how to de-mist your windscreen in double-quick time can be equally as important.

It’s also a good idea to carry a lock de-icer with you to clear your lock. If your locks do get frozen, try warming the key or spraying de-icer or an oil-based lubricant into the lock.

The following checks will also be time consuming so it is worth factoring them in too before you set off.

Check your windscreen wipers before you start your journey

Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on as this could blow the wiper control fuse if they are frozen to the screen. Your wipers need to be in good working order so you’re able to clean your windscreen effectively.

Check your tyres

Check tyres for adequate tread. Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice.

If you live in an area where snow is common it might be worth changing to winter tyres with deeper tread.

If conditions are really bad you might want to consider the use of snow socks or even snow chains.

Check your screenwash

Use a good quality screenwash that protects down to at least -35 to prevent the water from freezing. If you don’t, your windscreen wipers could be rendered useless in extreme conditions - if you are unsure, you can check and top up your screenwash.

Pack for the worst

Be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring that your car is equipped with the following: de-misting pad, torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery), a hi-vis vest to make you visible if you break down, a blanket to keep you warm, some food, a drink, spare screenwash, de-icer, ice scraper, blanket, shovel, phone charger, map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some jump leads, a spade and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow.

The most important thing to take with you before driving in snow is a charged mobile phone with the phone number of your breakdown provider stored in it so you can always call for help.