Live blog: Weather latest (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

3:47pm

GRITTING teams are heading out again this afternoon, evening and overnight.
Worcestershire County Council said a fleet of 31 gritters had already started hitting the county’s secondary routes from 1.30pm today and will head out on primary routes from 6pm.
Winter service inspections will take place in the early hours of Thursday morning to assess the weather and road conditions throughout Worcestershire.
Latest MET Office forecasts suggest that snow showers will continue to hit areas of the region for the remainder of today, many of which will be light while others have the potential to be heavier, resulting in a couple of centimetres accumulating on the ground.
The last of the snow is predicted to fizzle out this evening, followed by a dry and cold night with a hard frost persisting until at least midnight on Friday.

11:39am

8:48am

We are getting news of some school closures in Wyre Forest. News to follow ...

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Weather related updates for Worcestershire County Council services:

Children's Centres:

Cottonwood Children’s Centre hopes to be open as normal today (22 January) but we suggest that you call to check that groups are running normally before leaving home. Updates can also be found on our Facebook page.

Tree Tops and Rainbow Children's Centres. Before you start your journey on Tuesday (22 January 2013) please call the centre to check groups are running and that the centre is open. Rainbow-01562 742991  Tree Tops- 01562 514980.

Apple Vale Children's Centre. Please check our Facebook page for updates.

Teme Valley Children's Centre. Please ring the office to confirm if groups are going ahead before setting out.
Chestnut Children's Centre, Kidderminster DY11. Please check our Facebook page for updates.

Other services:

Stourport Mobile Library will be off the road today. Routes and areas affected are Tuesday Week B Wolverley, Cookley and Caunsall. The Stourport Mobile Library will also not run on Wednesday (23 January 2013). That run is Wednesday B and covers Mamble, Clows Top, Frith Common and Menith Wood.

Day Care Services. Transport to and from day services will not be running today (22 January). We will, however, open day services if families/carers wish to bring in services users. Please contact the service before travelling to confirm availability of the day care service you require.

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1:06pm

Wyre Forest DC ‏@WyreForestDC
Teams are still clearing #snow from footpaths, carparks and town centres across the district. Stay safe and take care pic.twitter.com/RgoFY0T7

1:05pm

Wyre Forest DC ‏@WyreForestDC
"Just spotted WFDC teams out clearing #snow and gritting at Orchard Court and also the subways at bottom of Comberton Hill."

10:34am

Bin news from Wyre Forest District Council on twitter: 

"Bins: if we couldn't get to you on Friday please leave your bins out safely and we will get to you soon. Collections as normal tomorrow."

10:02am

The WEB GALLERY has been updated and it seems Keith the Seal has a bit of competiton for the district's favourite animal from Holly and Abi Burgess's Snow Koala!

8:45am

Blakedown Primary School is now opening at 10.15am.

8:26am

The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre will also be closed today.

8:19am

Blakedown CE Primary School is closed.

8:14am

Cookley Sebright Primary School is closed today.

8:10am

Upper Arley Primary School will not be open today.

8:09am

St Mary's Primary School, Kidderminster is closed.

8:07am

@worcscc: 303 (Worcester – Ombersley – Kidderminster) : This service running but omitting Hartlebury and Ombersley estates.

8:06am

@worcscc: Bus Services affected today 2 (Kidderminster – Habberley – Bewdley – Bark Hill) : The service is running but is omitting Bark Hill.

8:05am

Bus service 3 from Kidderminster to Stourport is running today but will not go through Abberley Avenue.

8:02am

Stourport Primary School will be open today.

8:00am

7:59am

Kidderminster Academy is open.

7:57am

Baxter College is closed today due to icy conditions.

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6:50pm

Wolverley CE Secondary School is hoping to open as normal tomorrow.

6:49pm

Kidderminster College will be open as normal tomorrow.

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3:17pm

All day care services are cancelled tomorrow. Affected residents are being contacted.

3:16pm

With most of the county experiencing further flurries of snowfall today gritters will be out and about again this afternoon and this evening treating designated routes across Worcestershire and trying to minimise the impact on motorists tomorrow morning.

While all primary and secondary routes across the county have been treated numerous times over the past few days, the additional snowfall and freezing temperatures are likely to create further ice and make conditions treacherous in places.

Motorists are once again being urged to drive with caution and never to assume it's safe to travel at normal speeds, even if they believe roads have been treated with grit.

Residents are also advised that the

Worcestershire Hub Contact Centre will be opening at the earlier time of 6:30am (instead of 8am) tomorrow morning (Monday January 21) to support residents seeking information about possible service disruptions. The phone number to call is 01905 765765.

Information about service disruptions, including school closures and bus service cancellations, is also be available online at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/emergencyalerts

Jon Fraser, County Council Highways Customer and Community Manager, said: "With residents returning to work tomorrow and parents taking children to school, we know it will be back to a usual busy Monday morning on the roads.

"In preparation for this, our gritting crews will be treating designated routes around the county today to make travel conditions as safe as possible tomorrow.

"While we are doing all we can to deal with the current conditions, we'd also advise residents to make sure they drive with extra care and to consider allowing additional time for their journey in the morning."

2:26pm

Gritting teams will be heading out again soon.

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The weather today is expected to be drier with the odd snow flurry but gauges will remain sub-zero.

4:30pm

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3:15pm

Gritters will be out from 6pm.

3:14pm

To help people travelling during the current weather conditions, Wrcestershire County Council has put together a number of tips have been put together. These include:

Maintenance checks
Before you set off on your journey, do you have:
•               Anti-freeze in your cooling system?
•               Screen wash additive in your windscreen washers?
•               At least 1.6mm depth of tread and the correct air pressures in your tyres?
•               Clean lenses on your headlights?
•               Properly working heaters and demisters?

Making journeys
Planning your journey is vitally important in adverse conditions. Taking the following steps before you leave could prevent problems out on the roads:
•               Check the local weather forecast.
•               Check the driving conditions on your route with your local radio station.
•               Take extra equipment with you, e.g. mobile phone, spade, towrope, torch,  flask, warm and highly visible clothing and spare pieces of old carpet to place under your wheels for traction in case you get stuck in snow
•               Make sure someone at your destination is expecting you at a certain time.

Adjust your driving to the conditions
Driving on ice or snow needs extra care:
•               Use dipped headlights and drive more slowly than usual.
•               Allow up to ten times your normal stopping distance.
•               Keep your distance from vehicles ahead of you.
•               To avoid skidding, brake very gently or ease off the accelerator early.
•               If you have to abandon your vehicle try not to block the road; snow-ploughs, gritters and emergency vehicles may need to come past. 
•               Keep windscreens clean.
 

3:11pm

Gritters will be heading out in force again early this evening to cover designated routes across Worcestershire.

No further significant accumulations of snow are forecast today but due to the wind chill, temperatures as low as -6 are expected overnight across Worcestershire.

This will turn existing snow and slush into ice and create potentially treacherous conditions.
 

Motorists are once again being urged to drive with caution and never to assume it's safe to travel at normal speeds, even if they believe roads have been treated with grit.
 

Beyond the weekend, colder conditions look likely to persist.

The longer term forecast remains uncertain but there is the possibility of further snow at times.

For the most accurate and up to date weather information, residents are advised to check the Met Office website.
 

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council Highways cand community manager, said: "Our gritting crews have been working non-stop around the clock since Thursday evening to treat and re-treat around 800 miles of designated primary and secondary routes across the county.

" With conditions now more settled, we will be returning to our usual gritting routine for the time-being. This involves gritting designated routes during the evening while they remain treacherous.

"While light flurries of snow may take place during the rest of the weekend, possibly creating an additional few centimetres in places on Sunday, we are not anticipating any further large volumes.

"The main issue for us will be the effect of below freezing temperatures which, particularly with the current wind chill, will create icy conditions on roads this evening.

"As ever, we'd urge motorists to take care when they are out and about on the roads. Always temper driving and respect the conditions. We will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to keep motorists as safe as possible."

 

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9:39am

London Midland plans to run a full timetable today, although some trains may be shorter than usual to avoid problems caused by packed ice in the coupling mechanisms

9:07am

Kidderminster Library open as normal today.

9:02am

Chestnut Children's Centre, Kidderminster. Check Worcestershire County Council's facebook page for updates for weekend services.

9:00am

Tree Tops and Rainbow Children's Centres. Before you start your journey on Monday please call the centre to check groups are running and that the centre is open.

8:58am

All 1,233 county council grit bins in Worcestershire have been re-filled since the new year and people are encouraged to make use of them by using salt on the highways.

Residents can pinpoint their nearest bin worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting.

8:56am

Today is expected to be drier, with the odd snow flurry but gauges will remain sub-zero.

8:54am

Drivers making journeys are being urged to drive with caution, with conditions expected to remain difficult over the weekend due to freezing temperatures.

8:48am

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8:44am

Gritting teams in Worcestershire will have clocked up the equivalent of travelling to County Hall, Worcester to the North Pole and back by the end of today.

8:41am

Ice is expected to cause issues on roads today and tomorrow.

8:39am

Harriers ccnfident their game at Macclesfield will still go ahead today.

8:35am

Worcestershire County Council has been ploughing and gritting roads this morning.

8:26am

Hundreds of people in Kidderminster were left without power for more than 12 hours last night.

Electricity went off at about 5.30pm yesterday evening on the Spennells and there are reports of other areas of the town affected.

Power was restored this morning at 7.15am after a bitterly cold night that saw temperatures plummet below freezing.

If you were affected contact The Shuttle via our Facebook page or Twitter, or email cadisha.brown@kidderminstershuttle.co.uk.

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More information - as if you would need it! - is available on the county council's "emergency alerts" site - http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/emergencyalerts/

4:01pm

And to confirm Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride has suspended all community transport services.

3:44pm

Well after all that emergency services seriousness, I think it's time for a picture - here is 17-month-old Nathan out in the snow in Kidderminster for the first time!

3:39pm

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is warning people of frozen water when out and about.

Station commander Alan Haley from HWFRS’s community safety department said: “With temperatures at or below freezing and set to remain low into next week, many of the lakes, ponds and canals across the two counties will be frozen, and we want to make sure people stay alert to the dangers this presents.”

He explained even with prolonged cold spells, the thickness of the ice layer can vary considerably, and is unlikely to be strong enough to hold a person’s weight safely.

3:29pm

Can I just say thank you to everyone who has emailed photos to me today - havn't been able to reply to each one individually but they have made for a lively web gallery ... isn't it nice to see everyone having fun!

If you have any photos my email address is william.tomaney@kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

3:23pm

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman says 999 calls made between midnight and 1pm today were up 19 per cent compared to a normal Friday.

Craig Cooke, WMAS assistant chief ambulance officer, said: "Initial reports suggest the heavy snowfall has increased 999 demands across the West Midlands.

“The number of patients suffering slips, trips and falls increased. However, I am pleased to say that our crews have coped extremely well with the elements and continue to get to patients as quickly as possible."

3:17pm

SNOW WEB GALLERY updated with even more photos!

Snowfall starting to die down a bit now in Kidderminster. Bring on the slush ...

3:09pm

Shuttle reader Anthony Connolly has sent us this photo saying: "The closest I can get to a snow picture on the beach at Medano in Tenerife."

2:35pm

1:12pm

1:04pm

Craig Murphy has sent in a picture of his son's knitted snowman in his police car!

Keep them coming and check out the GALLERY which is constantly being updated!

12:54pm

RE: 12.52pm ... curse of the commentator, wouldn't you just know the second I write that, Keith slips down to number 2 and now it's snow all the way!

12:52pm

Despite all the snow and panic and everything - the white stuff has not managed to take down Keith the Seal from top spot on our most read stories!

You can read that story HERE

12:49pm

And in all seriousness if you are out and about on the roads do take care - West Mercia Police has warned people not to drive anywhere unless they absolutely have to.

12:47pm

Shuttle reporter Cadisha Brown is driving along the Birmingham Road and sent this photo - with her car pulled on to the side of the road and engine switched off presumably!

12:36pm

Andrew Garrington has sent in some Kidderminster snow photos! Check out more of them HERE!

12:22pm

12:12pm

More photos still coming in! See more on our web gallery by CLICKING HERE!

11:57am

Kidderminster Library will be closing at 4.30pm today.

11:55am

The A4117 between the A49 and Cleobury Mortimer has been closed.

11:53am

Worcestershire County Council say Kidderminster Register Office will be closed at 1.15pm today

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LATEST TRAVEL AND TRAFFIC NEWS: CLICK HERE

11:32am

The Canal & River Trust – the new charity responsible for the nation’s waterways - is asking people who enjoy its towpaths to take extra care as the snow and icy weather descends on Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Towpaths, bridges and lock-sides can become slippery at this time of year and snow can conceal boat mooring rings and ropes which, unless people are paying attention, can be easy to trip over.

While frozen canals look beautiful no-one should ever attempt to walk on or test the thickness of the ice.

Families should make sure that young children are kept within sight and made aware of the importance of staying away from the edge.

Dog walkers are advised to keep dogs on leads during a freeze, and never follow their animal on to the ice. 

Nick Worthington, waterway manager at the Canal & River Trust, explained: “Canals and rivers remain popular throughout the winter months when they provide a frosty escape for walkers, cyclists, anglers and joggers. However, it can be easy for people to forget the potential dangers that icy towpaths and waterways can present.

“It’s important that people take care whilst enjoying the waterways this winter, wear appropriate footwear and stay away from the edge. There is no reason why everyone can’t enjoy the picture-postcard beauty of their local waterway in safety this winter.”
 

11:26am

WEB GALLERY: Your snow pictures!

To contribute email your pictures to william.tomaney@kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

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10:51am

Breaking News! Labour Worcestershire county councillor for St George's and St Oswalds, Mumshad Ahmed, has built a snowman!

10:36am

10:22am

Just a reminder that Kidderminster College announced yesterday that it would be closed today. 

10:12am

More Kidderminster pics.

10:10am

WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is asking residents to give birds a helping hand to get them through the wintry weather.

With the county in the middle of a cold snap and snow forecast to be on its way, the trust says birds and other wildlife will be finding food harder to come by.

Steve Bloomfield, conservation officer,  said: “Plummeting temperatures and heavy snowfall can cause real problems.

“It’s really important to help out birds and other wildlife – putting out high-fat foods such as suet balls, sunflower hearts and peanuts along with seed mixes will really help.”

For more information visit worcswildlifetrust.co. uk/other-ways-to-help or call 01905 754919.

10:08am

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The scene in Kidderminster at 9.30am.

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Are you out and about in the snow? Send your snow pictures to william.tomaney@kidderminstershuttle.co.uk or call 01562 633340.

9:35am

Firefighters are encouraging people to follow some simple advice to ensure they stay safe during the cold spell and snow fall.
Station Commander Alan Haley from the Community Safety department at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) said: “With temperatures expected to remain low over the next few days, a few simple precautions could make a real difference.

Please take a moment to think about our advice and establish if there are some steps you can take.

“Our firefighters are prepared for the potential of heavy snow fall and anyone in an emergency situation should still call 999.”
•        If the weather is prolonged please look out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours

•   Last year HWFRS attended over 200 chimney fires so when using open fires or wood burners please be extra vigilant due to their prolonged use and ensure that you are only using the correct fuel

•  All the emergency services are anticipating increased activity so please be mindful to only request our attendance if it’s a real emergency.  In spite of dangerous road conditions fire crews will still attend

•  Ponds, lakes and canals may freeze over and look safe to walk on but these are extremely hazardous, please stay away.  If you see somebody in difficulty the best way you can help them is to call 999
•  Double check that pipes and tanks are suitably insulated to avoid the risk of them freezing and bursting during these icy conditions.
•  Please only make essential journeys if the weather and road conditions are poor.
“Please remember to listen to road and weather updates on local radio stations and on local media websites. This information can be invaluable when the two counties are affected by heavy snow.”

9:31am

The Met Office has issued an amber warning of snow in the region between 3am and 9pm and the potential for severe travel disruption.

9:30am

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads over the next few days. 

9:15am

I have just travelled from Junction 3 of the M5, on the A456 to Kidderminster, as I have done for the last 4 years and once again there has been no gritting.

This road, which has had many fatal accident in the last few years, has once again been ignored by the authorities.

Can someone please tell me who is responsible for clearing the snow and salting this major road and why they ALWAYS ignore it when it snows.

PAUL ROLSTON

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