6 February 2009

With the possibility of further snow next week, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is encouraging drivers to be prepared!

A weather summary issued by the Met Office today for the emergency services in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire warns of a “very small risk” of snow moving across from France on Monday.

Chief Fire Officer Damian Smith said: “Motorists have certainly had plenty of practice at coping with bad weather this week.

“By now, everyone should know that a bit of planning and preparation and a lot of care and attention can make all the difference.”

He is urging motorists to follow this advice:

• Travel only if it is absolutely necessary, and allow more time for your journey
  
  
• Listen to local and national radio for travel and weather information (see Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes local radio list below)
  
  
• Slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front
  
  
• Be prepared when travelling in snow – carry an ice-scraper, de-icer, torch, warm clothes, blanket, boots, spade, food, drink and first aid kit in your vehicle
  
  
• Check your tyres, lights, wiper blades, anti-freeze and battery, and keep windows and mirrors clear of ice and condensation

Local radio stations

BBC Three Counties Radio - 90.4, 92.1, 94.7, 95.5, 98, 103.8 and 104.5 FM

Heart 97.6 - 97.6 FM

Heart 103.3 - 103.3 FM

Mix 96 - 96.2 FM

Mix 107 - 107.4, 107.7 FM

Time 106.6 - 106.6 FM

A summary of what the Met Office said:

Friday night: Possibility of widespread ice as the skies clear and the temperature drops to -3/-4 degrees Celsius.

Saturday: Looking dry and cold, with another very cold night to come. We are again likely to see widespread ice with temperatures down to -5C.

Sunday: There is a weather front coming in from the west. An advisory has been issued for the Midlands northwards. There may be a little sleet and snow mixed in for a while, but mainly rain as it comes across. The night will be cold and icy with temperatures down to -1C

Monday: A weather front moving across France could lead to a very small risk of more snow here. At the moment, it looks more likely that it will stay to the south of us. It is worth keeping an eye on the forecast over the next few days.