Published on Saturday 06 January 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is asking residents to remain cautious as the first cold snap of the year looks set to descend upon the area.
Temperatures forecast for Sunday and Monday could drop to zero and lead to potentially hazardous and frozen conditions across the three towns.
Residents are reminded to watch out for ice, which could become a risk due to the large amounts of surface rainwater still present following the torrential downpours of Thursday afternoon and evening.
Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said: “Although the torrential rainfall on Thursday night has led to beautifully sunny and clear afternoons since, we should all be mindful of the expected change in temperatures over the next few days.
“This cold snap will likely mean icy pavements, frozen pathways and increased risk on our roads, so I ask our residents to take care when enjoying their weekend.
“If you can, please check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours to ensure they’re keeping warm and safe.
“Our partners at St Mungo’s are closely monitoring the weather forecast and checking on our street homeless population.
“Should zero degrees be forecast over three consecutive nights, or the impact of the rain, and wind chill cause concern, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be activated and anyone who is sleeping rough will be encouraged to take up the offer of emergency accommodation.”
The council is also making sure its specialist teams are ready to react should the frozen conditions cause issues.
Gritting teams are on standby with a fleet of 14 gritting vehicles and a stock of 2,800 tonnes of dry rock salt.
During snowy and icy weather, the road temperatures are monitored by a series of weather stations across the region, which allows the council to grit roads only when it’s needed.
Priority is placed on clearing routes for buses and emergency vehicles and maintaining access to hospitals, schools, main roads and pavements in high footfall areas.
The rainfall experienced on Thursday is continuing to have some impact on areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Council teams have been working hard to help mitigate the impact of this rainfall and keep people safe. Sites known to be at risk are receiving frequent gully emptying and are prioritised for response.
As the rainwater dissipates, its continued run off could also create the risk of trees falling.
Any fallen trees can be reported online at: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/environment/landscape-plants-and-trees/report-tree-issues
In November the council urged residents to make sure they’re winter ready by following a few simple steps ahead of the cold weather:
- make sure your car is winter ready before each journey
- prepare a winter kit for your car
- consider walking and shopping local rather than driving
- check the council’s gritting routes before traveling so you can take the safest journey
- have a stock of non-perishable, easily prepared food that doesn’t need cooking
- know where your torch is and make sure there are spare batteries nearby
- Find friendly warm, welcome spaces in your local community
- follow the Met Office advice on getting your home and property winter ready
- check the NHS web pages for more information on winter health
- follow the winter driving advice by the RAC to get to your destination safely
For more information on what BCP Council does in severe weather please visit our webpages.