Snow and weather update for Cheshire: School closures and traffic updates

Feb 5 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

THE snow and adverse weather conditions have once again been creating problems in Cheshire as people throughout the county face treacherous and interrupted journeys and school closures. We will keep this page updated throughout the day with information as it comes in.

To view the latest weather forecast CLICK HERE

11.30am UPDATE

Eight schools are now closed in Cheshire today (Thursday) due to snow.

In addition to the five announced earlier this morning there are: St John’s CE Primary School in Macclesfield, Sandbach Heath St John’s CE Primary School and Sir William Stanier High School in Crewe.

There are currently no road closures due to the adverse weather but motorists are warned that further snow is forecast later today, with up to four inches expected on high ground.

9.30am UPDATE

ONE high school and four primary schools in Cheshire are closed today (Thursday) due to snow.

They are: Alsager High School, Woodcock’s Well CE Primary School in Mow Cop, Wincle CE Primary School in Macclesfield, Wheelock Primary School in Sandbach and Underwood West Primary School in Crewe.

Smallwood CE Primary School in Sandbach is partially closed on a phased class basis due to ongoing problems with its heating and water systems.

There are currently no road closures due to the adverse weather but motorists are warned that further snow is forecast later today, with up to four inches expected on high ground.

9am UPDATE

ALTHOUGH it is snowing across the region's motorway network this morning, there are no incidents of note and no carriageway or lane closures - traffic across the network is moving well.  

Highways Agency contractors have been out overnight gritting the network. Highways Agency Traffic Officers and contractors at the North West Regional Control Centre at Newton-le-Willows will continue to monitor conditions.
 
Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo or by calling 08457 504030. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio, or the Highways Agency's Traffic Radio service on DAB or www.trafficradio.org.
 
With persistent snow, visibility is poor in places and drivers are urged to light up,  slow down, keep their distance and leave extra room for braking.
 
Anyone setting out should ensure their vehicles are fit for the journey, that they have enough fuel and that they have taken preparations such as carrying food, water, warm clothing and a shovel in case of a breakdown or being stuck in snow or ice. 

7am UPDATE

THE weather is once again creating the prospect of rush hour chaos in Cheshire as people throughout the county wake up to snow covered scenes outside their bedroom windows.

Although there are no early reports of serious problems, snow is now falling quite heavily in parts of Cheshire and is likely to provide a major headache for people travelling to and from school within the next hour.

The weather forecast for the county is for a bitterly cold day with a raw north to northeasterly wind bringing sunshine and snow showers which will be heaviest and most frequent towards the peaks. Maximum temperature 1 deg C (34 deg F).

Nationally, the edge of Wales around the M4 seems to be bearing the brunt of most of the overnight problems.

It is too early to say whether any schools in Cheshire will be closed this morning. During the snowfall earlier in the week, only schools in Macclesfield and Congleton were affected.

Keep logging on to www.chesterchronicle.co.uk for regular updates on the weather situation across the county this morning.