Met Office issues ice warning for Devon

A severe weather warning has been issued for the South West.

The Met Office issued the yellow-graded ice warning ahead of an expected drop in temperatures this evening.

Road surface temperatures are expected to reach as low as -2C in parts of the county overnight.

The Exeter-based forecasters are warning of potential icy conditions between 5pm today and 10am tomorrow (Saturday).

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “An area of showers will clear south-eastwards on Friday afternoon and evening, clearing skies allowing a widespread frost to form. This will lead to a risk of ice on roads through into Saturday morning.

“The public are advised to be aware of potentially hazardous driving conditions and the risk of disruption to transport.”

Devon County Council confirmed gritters would be out on Devon’s major roads this evening, treating around 1,700 miles of the main salting network.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, advised road users to take care during the icy conditions.

He said: “The mix of rain, sleet and freezing conditions means that road users must be aware that conditions on the county’s roads may be icy, even on treated roads. It’s expected that cold conditions will continue into the weekend so I would appeal for everyone to take care, particularly overnight."

Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -5C over the weekend, with spells of rain expected on Sunday and Monday.