Councils urge caution as snow and ice forecast

People across Sussex have been urged to take precautions as the Met Office warns that temperatures are likely to plummet below freezing over the coming days.

The yellow weather warning for snow and ice will be in place across the county from midday on Saturday until midnight on Sunday.

Overnight temperatures on Friday into Saturday are expected to reach lows of -4C, the Met Office has said.

A number of local authorities have issued advice on how best to manage conditions that could particularly affect those who are older or who are living with long-term health conditions, as well people sleeping rough.

East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton & Hove City Council say they have begun gritting major routes.

East Sussex County Council says on a typical cold night its teams grit 778 miles (1,252km) of highways across the county, including all A and B roads as well as some C roads.

Drivers are being urged to take care on the roads as icy patches may form on surfaces.

Brighton & Hove City Council has urged residents to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, with West Sussex County Council warning that the cold weather could lead to a rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over.

Sussex Health & Care integrated care system said the cold increased the risk of raised blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

People with long-term conditions such as heart or kidney disease, COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), asthma or diabetes are especially vulnerable.

It has also suggested that homes should be heated to at least 18C.

Warm libraries are available across West Sussex six days a week from Monday to Saturday.

Brighton & Hove City Council has a list of free activities and places to go across the city.

Details of warm spaces in Wealden, Eastbourne, and Lewes can also be found online.

Emergency shelters for those who are homeless have been opened by councils across the county, which have activated Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) to provide overnight accommodation.

StreetLink can also be used to find emergency shelter.

BBC Weather's Nina Ridge said: "The new year has ushered in a stark contrast to the mild and cloudy days of December, as south-east England has been plunged into the icy grip of arctic air. This shift has brought sunny skies and a significant drop in temperatures. Friday morning saw some of the lowest temperatures this winter, with South Farnborough recording -4.3°C, East Malling -4.1°C, and Shoreham -4°C.

"Saturday morning promises to be equally chilly, with a widespread frost and the possibility of freezing fog patches. As the day progresses a developing low-pressure system to the south-west of the UK will start to make inroads into the cold air over south-east England. The result? A short-lived spell of potentially disruptive wintry weather on Saturday night.

"The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice covering Surrey, as well as inland parts of Kent and Sussex. While details remain uncertain, especially at lower levels, this weather system is forecast to bring a brief period of snow before milder air takes hold. So any snow in the south-east is expected to be a transient feature before turning back to rain during the early hours of Sunday morning.

"By Sunday, the cold arctic air will have been replaced by wet and windy weather with temperatures of 12C. However, this milder weather will only be a brief reprieve, as the longer range forecast currently predicts the return of colder air and potential for snow later next week."

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