ALERT: Weather warning issued for Devon as snow and ice threaten travel disruption

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for Exeter, with freezing conditions expected to affect the city from Monday 5 January through to Tuesday 6 January.

The Met Office has warned that snow showers and widespread ice could cause travel disruption across parts of the South West, including Exeter, particularly overnight and during the early morning.

While widespread heavy snowfall is not expected in the city centre, the Met Office says there is a risk of sleet or light snow, alongside icy conditions on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

Forecasters say some roads and rail services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times possible for drivers, bus passengers and rail users. 

There is also an increased risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

St Luke’s Church of England School in Exeter has confirmed it is fully closed for the day today, (Monday, January 5) due to a heating failure affecting the school site.

READ NEXT: 'Students give the place its buzz' - Exeter high street feels holiday slowdown 

Snow showers are expected to move inland across south-west England from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. 

Although not all areas will see snow, accumulations of 1–3cm are possible in places, with higher totals more likely on higher ground and exposed routes.

Areas around Exeter such as the Haldon Hills and approaches to Dartmoor are expected to see the worst impacts, with icy conditions also likely on residential streets and rural roads where surfaces remain damp.

The Met Office has advised residents to allow extra time for journeys, check travel updates before setting out and take care when walking or cycling. 

People are encouraged to use main roads and pavements where possible, as these are more likely to have been treated.

Drivers are advised to prepare a winter kit for their vehicle, including warm clothing, food and water, a blanket, torch, ice scraper, de-icer and a phone charger. 

The Met Office has also warned that weather conditions may change quickly and that people should stay up to date with forecasts and warnings.

The yellow warning reflects a medium likelihood of disruption but a lower overall impact, with Exeter expected to experience very cold temperatures and icy patches rather than prolonged heavy snowfall.

Devon County Council has also urged highway users to take extra care, warning that road surface temperatures across parts of Devon could fall as low as –8.4°C.

The council said its gritter crews have been carrying out multiple treatments across the county’s primary salting network and will continue to salt priority routes, including some of the busiest cycle paths in Exeter. 

However, drivers are reminded not to assume roads are ice-free, even if they have been treated.

“Even treated roads may still develop ice in very low temperatures,” the council said, adding that standing water from earlier showers could freeze and create black ice.

Residents are being advised to wear appropriate footwear, take care on untreated paths and consider checking on vulnerable neighbours who may be affected by the cold.

The Met Office and local authorities say further updates will be issued if conditions change.