Further snow is forecast to sweep into the Burnham-On-Sea area today (Friday) amid new warnings from the Met Office and local Police.
A thick coating of snow has blanketed the Burnham-On-Sea area, with more to come today, and Police are urging drivers not to use local roads.
Schools closed in Burnham-On-Sea area today:
The weather disruption will see these local schools closed during today (Friday): Berrow Primary, Brent Knoll School, Burnham-On-Sea Infants School, Churchfield in Highbridge, East Brent Academy, East/West Huntspill, King Alfred School in Highbridge, Lympsham, Mark First & Pre School Academy, Pawlett Primary, St Andrews in Burnham, St Josephs, Kings of Wessex Academy and Wedmore First School Academy.
Pictured: Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront (photo Krystal West)
Today’s Met Office yellow warning for Burnham-On-Sea area:
A yellow warning for snow and ice is in force today (Friday) until 11.55pm tonight and further snow is forecast today between 2pm-6pm.
A Met Office spokesman said: “Further snow showers or perhaps longer spells of snow are likely at times through today.”
“There is an increasing chance that a further spell of more persistent snow may move north into parts of southern England, Wales and central England during the day.”
“Icy stretches are likely on untreated surfaces. In addition, strong winds will lead to further drifting or blowing around of existing snow cover. Delays and cancellations to public transport are possible, as are delays to travel on roads; some stranding of vehicles and passengers could also occur. Interruptions to power supplies and mobile phone coverage are also possible.”
Today’s yellow weather warning covers Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Brent Knoll, Brean, Lympsham and the Huntspills in our area.
Burnham-On-Sea Police warning against travel:
Burnham-On-Sea Police are advising motorists not to travel today unless absolutely essential. While main roads have been gritted, side roads in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are not salted and are in a dangerous condition.
Ch Supt Ian Wylie, who is leading the police response, said: “Our message to people living in areas affected by heavy snowfall is clear. Please don’t make any unnecessary journeys and play close attention to the latest forecasts and weather warnings.”
Pictured: Burnham lighthouse in the snow this week (photo David Whatley)
“The conditions are treacherous. Long delays and public transport cancellations are likely. We don’t want anyone to be at risk, or stuck in their vehicles, so please heed the warnings.”
He also urged local people to only call 999 for genuine emergencies. “We’re also expecting high volumes of calls to the 101 number and would urge people to carefully consider whether their call needs a police response.”
Burnham-On-Sea residents asked to check elderly
Public Health England said it is “critical” to keep an eye on anyone over 65, young children or people with heart or lung conditions.
Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE’s Extreme Events team, said: “With more cold and for some snow on the way, now is the time to think ahead. Consider what you need to stock up on, do you need food or essential supplies such as medicines? It may be harder for some people to get out later this week when more snow arrives, so if you know someone at risk, someone with heart or lung conditions, young children or who is over 65, please take the time to check and see if there’s anything they need.”
Pictured: The Burnham-On-Sea live webcam shows the live situation
“Also remember that we are not all used to temperatures like this so keep homes heated to at least 18 degrees. If you’re able to clear paths of snow or ice, do so. Everyone should keep up to date with weather forecasts so you’re not caught out. Staying well in conditions like this can be a challenge, so if you can check on someone whose health may be at risk, please do.”
Main roads in Burnham-On-Sea to be gritted
With temperatures falling, Somerset County Council is gritting main roads in the Burnham-On-Sea area to try and keep disruption to a minimum.
Sedgemoor Distict Council and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council are also working to keep town centre streets open today to enable shops to trade.
Gritting of main roads across the Burnham-On-Sea will take place, but side roads may well be slippery.
Leader of the council, Councillor David Fothergill, says: “We are geared up and well-prepared to make sure it’s ‘business as usual’ so far as possible.”
“I’d like to thank the staff who are going the extra mile to keep any disruption to a minimum. We have great working relationships with our partners and providers and that is really important when it comes to working together in difficult conditions.”
Meanwhile, today’s planned Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Beach Clean has been postponed due to the poor weather.
Milder temperatures on the way to Burnham-On-Sea
The weather is due to become slightly milder from Sunday onwards, with 5-6C daytime temperatures for the Burnham-On-Sea area by Monday.
This will lead to a rapid thaw of the lying snow and ice. There are already early concerns that this could cause flooding in some areas of Somerset.
Send us your photos of snowfall in the Burnham-On-Sea area
