Commuters were faced with challenging driving conditions this morning as fresh snowfall overnight wreaked havoc across the North East with County Durham being the worst affected.
Forecasters from the Met Office predicted that overnight heavy snow will bring significant disruption and they weren’t wrong. Despite efforts from local councils winter maintenance teams gritting the roads overnight as many slept, many awoke to see a blanket of snow covering the roads and footpaths.
Drivers struggled on many banks in County Durham and North Yorkshire with slippery conditions causing a real headache.
The trouble spots were…
- A181 Silent Bank between Sherburn and Wingate, Co Durham
- A171 Birk Brow between Whitby and Guisborough, Redcar and Cleveland
- A177 between Coxhoe and Sedgefield, County Durham
- A167 Between Ferryhill and Durham City, County Durham
- A1(M) Motorway between Junctions 60 and 62, County Durham
- Salters Lane near Trimdon, County Durham
- A19 between Hartlepool and Sunderland
During adverse weather conditions it is essential that you give yourself plenty of time to reach your intended destination in order to arrive safely and stress free.
National Highways currently have a campaign ongoing this winter to encourage drivers to “Have a safe T.R.I.P”
Some useful tips we recommend here at TeesPix.Photos for Winter driving…
- Leave earlier than usual
- Check Forecasts and current traffic conditions on Google Maps, Waze and Traffic England (Motorways and Trunk Roads)
- Ensure screenwash, oil, fuel and tyre pressure are all within recommended limits.
- Drive slowly and leave extra stopping distances
- Carry a warm waterproof coat, gloves, hat and suitable footwear
- Carry a torch/high vis vest should you need to stop in case of an emergency.
While the weather warnings are set to expire overnight tonight this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down as conditions can change quickly especially in remote rural areas.
Useful websites…
- Traffic England for Motorways and Major A roads like the A1, A19 and A66
- Met Office
- North Yorkshire weather cameras
- County Durham weather and traffic cameras
- AA Roadwatch
The team at TeesPix.Photos would like to thank crews from local councils, the emergency services and recovery teams for their hard work this morning to ensure commuters and travelers made it to their destination safely.