GRITTERS have been out in force as a warning for icy conditions on the road this morning in Dorset has been issued by the Met Office.

A yellow warning for snow and ice continues today for the county.

The Met Office says: "Ice is expected to form on untreated surfaces on Thursday night and last into Friday morning. In addition, some outbreaks of sleet and snow are likely to run quickly southwards on Friday morning, chiefly affecting parts of northern and eastern England, clearing the extreme southeast by late morning.

"This may give local accumulations of one to two cm and add to icy conditions in places. Ice will lead to the risk of disruption with difficult driving conditions and expect longer journey times.

"The greater risk of disruption is across the Midlands, East Anglia and southeast England."

The chief forecaster said: "Following the eastward clearance of Thursday's rain, sleet and snow across southern Britain, falling temperatures will lead to ice forming rapidly on untreated surfaces here.

"A further weather system running southwards may briefly bring some sleet or snow to northern and eastern parts of the warning area. The extent of any snow remains uncertain."

A number of flood warnings were also issued yesterday afternoon for rivers across the south, including the River Wey in Dorset.

A warning for flooding of the River Wey, Preston Brook and River Jordan says: 'Flooding of low lying land and roads in some locations is possible from early this evening onwards. The latest weather forecast suggests that rain will spread across the South East from the West on Thursday. This rain could be heavy at times during Thursday afternoon and early evening.'

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is warning motorists to be prepared for driving in snow and icy conditions.

The agency advised in winter, it’s even more important to check that your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.

Drivers can prepare by planning their journey, including:

  • checking the weather forecast and road conditions
  • considering other routes or types of transport
  • allowing extra time for your journey
  • ensuring that your vehicle is prepared for the journey
  • carrying warm clothing, blankets, hot drinks, a torch, a shovel, and suitable footwear

Drivers should:

  • keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow
  • add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles
  • make sure wipers and lights are in good working order
  • check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure

When driving, drivers should:

  • avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control
  • use dipped headlights in poor conditions
  • keep well back from the road user in front - stopping distances can be 10 times greater than on dry roads
  • drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently
  • drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely - brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend.

For more information on the weather forecast, visit the Met Office website.