Northumberland services braced for blizzards

Posted by The Journal on Dec 4, 08 12:23 PM in News

Massive disruption has been predicted on the region's roads today with wind and snow expected to combine to create blizzard conditions.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the region, with up to 20cm of snow expected, drifting far higher in places.

Blizzard conditions in the winter of 2003

A spokesman for the Met Office said yesterday: "Temperatures will

"We think there could be up to 20cm of snow and with high winds it could drift much deeper than that in places.

"Rural areas and places on high ground will be particularly vulnerable."

Councils and emergency services have been preparing for the Arctic blast.

The Highways Agency last night issued a warning to drivers in the North East.

They are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel this morning. The bad weather is forecast to blanket much of the North of England and Scotland.

Yesterday police warned motorists to be extra careful on the region's roads after dozens of accidents caused by snow and ice.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "When driving motorists should try to moderate their speed to match the conditions but try not to brake sharply, use the gears instead to decelerate.

"Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front - stopping distances are longer on wet or icy roads."

SPECIALISTS ON STANDBY

Patients across the North East will receive prompt medical attention despite the bad weather thanks to a special team of 4x4 drivers used by Northern Doctors Urgent Care.

NDUC, which is commissioned by Primary Care Trusts to handle calls to doctors outside normal surgery hours, is on stand-by across Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside, equipped with 4x4 vehicles which make light work of icy roads.

The service is provided by 4x4 Response North East (4x4RNE), a not-for-profit, volunteer based organisation contracted by NDUC to help in severe weather. John Harrison, NDUC's general manager, said: "The 4x4 drivers play a vital role in making sure that patients are seen quickly at any time of day or night, whatever the weather.

"This service is particularly needed in rural areas, where it's often necessary to drive off-road through inches of snow to reach a patient in their home or at one of NDUC's Urgent Care Centres."

Patients in Northumberland needing GP help between 6.30pm and 8am on weekdays, or at weekends and bank holidays, should call 0845 60 80 320.

Go to useful info weather page

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