Temperatures in Cumbria are dropping and gritters will be out to help keep traffic moving.
A weather warning for snow and ice was issued for the region until noon today, Friday February 13, and the Met Office has issued another warning from today until Sunday, February 15 at 10am.
Cumberland Council has closed five fell roads due to the forecast of icy conditions.
Passes affected are:
- Whinlatter Pass – Closed from the top of the fell road by the visitor centre to Lorton. The route from Braithwaite to the visitor centre remains open as it part of the authority’s standard gritting route.
- Honister Pass
- Newlands Pass
- Hard Knott Pass
- Corney Fell
Drivers are asked to consider their route, drive to the conditions and allow extra time for their journeys as surfaces can still be slippery, even on gritted routes.
The A66 was closed between Brough and Bowes this morning, but reopened later on.
What roads will be gritted?
Gritting teams are out to treat roads across the county.
In the Cumberland area, road surface temperatures will drop below zero from 7pm today.
Clear spells developing overnight will allow temperatures to drop to -6.5°C by tomorrow morning.
Hoar frost and ice affecting most of the network from this evening through to late tomorrow morning, with widespread frost also expected.
Moderate northeast winds. Road surface temperatures will rise above zero around 10.30am tomorrow, Saturday February 14.
Here’s where Cumberland’s crews will be gritted:
In the Westmorland & Furness area, the forecast is cloudy with rain, sleet and hill snow very slowly dying away, with skies eventually brightening from the north.
During this evening, a few sleet and snow showers may work into northern and eastern areas for a few hours before dying away.
Otherwise, tonight will be dry with long clear periods. Very cold with road surface temperatures widely below zero, leading to ice and hoar frost. Cold but sunny tomorrow morning.
Here is Westmorland & Furness Council’s planned gritting routes for today:
How do the councils choose which roads to grit?
The councils have hierarchies of roads – and a plan of gritting when we are hit by a cold snap.
To find out more, read our deep dive into why your road may not be gritted.
