BOSSES at East Yorkshire's two authorities say they are ready to tackle whatever the predicted "horror winter" throws at them. As Britain braces itself for what is expected to be the coldest and longest winter in modern history, Hull City Council and East Riding Council have been preparing for it since the summer.
Long-range weather forecaster Exacta Weather has predicted above-average snowfall and plummeting temperatures in the north of England, with the first of the Arctic-like weather arriving next week – and lasting until February. An Exacta Weather spokesperson told the Mail: "The northern half of the country is likely to experience a run of well-below average temperatures for the vast majority of December and multiple major snow events. These will include some potentially dangerous blizzard conditions at times."
The Met Office says temperatures in Hull could plummet to zero degrees next Tuesday night, with maximum temperatures at five degrees during the day. Both Hull City and East Riding Councils have invested in new equipment to keep the roads clear throughout the heavy snowfall and their salt barns are full.
In the East Riding, the 21-vehicle gritter fleet has already been called out a number of times because of low overnight temperatures. A new salt barn has been built at the depot in Beverley.
Mike Featherby, the interim head of streetscene services at East Riding, said: "The council has been preparing for winter since the summer and has full salt stocks at its barns, with orders in place to replenish as supplies are used. We take our winter maintenance duties very seriously and will do all we can to keep the roads and footways of the East Riding open and as accessible to pedestrians and motorists as possible, although some disruption must be anticipated."
East Riding has also bought 26 mobile snow blowers to treat their busiest pathways while Hull City have added three snow blowers to their seven-vehicle gritter fleet and 5,000 tonnes of salt. Unlike Exacta Weather, the Met Office can only give forecasts of up to ten days.
Met office spokesman Dan Williams warned signs of wintery weather will arrive but that early indications suggested these were not out of the ordinary for the time of year.
He said: "I would always tell people to stay up to date with forecasts in case things change but, it appears from the middle of next week onwards there is the possibility of seeing wintery showers, with rain, sleet or snow, as well as more eastern parts of East Yorkshire getting dryer and brighter. These will eventually get colder and there is a chance of seeing some frost too."
Exacta Weather warned December's big freeze is likely to cause traffic chaos across the country. A spokesman said: "It is highly likely there will be major disruption to the public transport and school closures too."Humberside Police tips for motorists
Humberside Police have warned motorists to take care on the roads in the coming weeks and to follow this advice:• Ensure vehicle is road worthy and well maintained.• De-mist windscreens and windows before setting off and check lights are working properly.• Make sure wipers work and washer fluid is topped up on a regular basis.• Ensure tyres have a good tread depth on them.• Drive defensively - always allow for stopping time by increasing distance from the car in front.• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and coolant levels are topped up with anti freeze.• Pack your boot with a tow rope, shovel, hazard warning triangle, hi-vis jacket, boots, spare warm clothing and blankets, de-icer, torch, first aid equipment and food and a hot drink, in case you get stranded.
• Weather news and forecast for Hull and East Yorkshire
