Isle of Wight weather as frost and ice cause havoc on roads

Jamie Russell, weather forecaster of the Isle of Wight Met Service, said "exceptionally slippery conditions" are now developing.

An ice warning was moved forward from 10pm tonight, to 8pm.

Scroll down for news on the buses

Jamie said: "Near ground temperatures are already getting as low as -3°C in places, leading to ice formation around the Ashey and Nunwell areas.

"Elsewhere we may see ice formation very soon, so please take extra care out on the roads."

Frost map by the IW Met Service. (Image: IW Met Service)

• Read more: Flooding and travel on the Isle of Wight today (Monday)

A weather warning for black ice is in place until 1pm tomorrow (Tuesday).

There have been car crashes at Whiteley Bank and Havenstreet tonight.

Southern Vectis has withdrawn its service between Blackwater Junction and Ventnor Boots tonight.

A spokesperson said: "Due to extremely icy conditions the route 3 is unable to serve stops between Blackwater Junction and Ventnor Boots.

"Please consider your travel options carefully. We are sorry for the inconvenience but have to put the safety of all road users first."

It also said due to the drop in temperature causing ice on many of the Islands roads, other disruption may occur.

It is warning of diversions/cancellations happening at short notice. It is pledging to keep customers updated "as the night goes on".

Advice from the Isle of Wight Council 

The Met Office advise that there is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather until 9am Friday in the South East of England.

The council said: "This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable people and disrupt the delivery of services.

"Although thankfully not often needed, the Isle of Wight Council has robust and tested cold weather emergency arrangements in place."

Island Roads monitor the weather accordingly to ensure that key main roads are gritted and kept clear.

In addition, 4x4 arrangements are in place to ensure key council staff such as those in social care are able to continue to deliver services within the community.

Make sure in adverse weather condition, you only go out if really necessary and keep warm in your homes and check on vulnerable neighbours, such as the ill and the elderly.

General advice from the Isle of Wight Council

• Make sure you stay warm.
• If going outside make sure you dress appropriately.
• If indoors, make sure that you keep your heating to the right temperature; heating your home to at least 18° Celsius in winter poses minimal risk to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing.
• If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example, an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do to stay warm and are well stocked with food and medications.
• If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
• More information can be found at nhs.uk/staywell 
   

Homelessness provision

If you are aware or in contact with someone without somewhere to stay, please encourage them to contact either The IOW Council Housing Team on (day time: 01983 823040 or out of hours: 01983 821105) or The Salvation Army (01982 812743).

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can send an alert to Streetlink by visiting streetlink.org.uk , via the mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices, or by calling 0300 500 0914 – this will connect them to local services and support.

If you suspect someone is in immediate risk, harm or danger from sleeping rough, please telephone the Police on 999.

Frozen or burst pipes

Southern Water maintains a register of priority customers who may be vulnerable due to illness or age. You can make sure yourself or a relative or neighbour is added to this by calling 0800 027 0800 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

You can report a leak on Southern Water’s 24-hour leak line: 0330 030 0146.