Winter weather advice
Weather Forecasting
To be most effective, the treatment should be spread before ice forms or snow settles. Anticipating these conditions, and reacting correctly, depends on a mixture of local knowledge and experience, good local weather forecasts and an awareness of the current road condition e.g. is it wet, dry, previously treated or not etc.
The Council receives two weather forecasts on a daily basis - a 24 hour forecast and a 2 to 5 day forecast. The 24 hours forecast is updated if there are any changes. In addition to this, a morning and early evening summary are also sent by the Met Office, as well as a hazards forecast.
In addition to receiving weather forecasts, the Council has two weather stations, one at Queensbury and one at Silsden. There are sensors contained within the road adjacent to the stations, providing surface and air temperatures and other useful meteorological information. You can view this information on the Traffic Weather website. Enabled sites are shown in green and by clicking on a site more information is given.
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office
Before and during winter – what you can do
- Before winter arrives, check your vehicle …
- has been maintained / serviced.
- tyres have a good tread depth (including spare).
- cooling system contains anti-freeze at correct strength.
- windscreen wipers and washers are working properly.
- washer bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to prevent freezing.
- carries a screen scraper and de-icer.
- battery is in good condition, topped up and fully charged.
- Before driving in wintry weather conditions, check …
- local and national radio / TV for travel and weather information.
- all vehicle lights are clean and working.
- all windows and mirrors are clear from frost and snow.
- In extreme conditions, ask yourself …
- is your journey necessary.
- have you checked weather forecasts and road conditions and carefully considered the advice given.
- have you a full tank of fuel.
- does anyone know your destination and expected time of arrival.
- have you warm clothing, hot drinks, food, Wellingtons, a torch and shovel with you.
- Remember, in ice and snow conditions the action of traffic is needed to help and disperse salt.
- Not all roads are treated.
- Stick to main roads which have been salted.
- Allow extra time for your journey in wintry weather.
- Delaying the time you leave work can help reduce congestion.
- When driving in wintry weather conditions, check you …
- are driving with due care appropriate to conditions on both treated and untreated roads.
- reduce speed in snow and icy conditions.
- are driving in the highest gear possible to help keep control of the vehicle.
- avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
- maintain a safe stopping distance relative to prevailing conditions.
- are using dipped headlights in poor visibility and snow.
- use rear fog lights in poor visibility and switch them off when conditions improve.
- are watching out for other road users including motor and pedal cycles, pedestrians and children playing.
- If you get into trouble …
- stay with your vehicle if possible until help arrives.
- if you have to leave your vehicle make yourself visible to other road users.
- if you are forced to abandon your vehicle give local police the details (0845 60 60 60 6) and park in such a way as to ensure you are not obstructing Winter Maintenance vehicles trying to treat the roads. Remember, a gritter is twice the width of a car.
