Major South West roads shut as snow falls amid warning
Motorists are being warned that their journeys could be delayed tonight as snow is falling across the South West. More snow is forecast throughout the day and the Met Office has issued an amber snow warning across parts of Somerset, lasting until 9pm today (Wednesday, January 8).
Forecasters say more disruption is likely, with the potential for some motorists to become stranded on roads in the region. The Met Office warns: "Sleet and snow is expected to continue this afternoon and evening with accumulations of 2-5cm on high ground above 150m, and up to 10cm above about 250m, leading to some travel disruption. The sleet and snow will ease from the west during the first part of Wednesday night."
National Highways said: "Snow is likely to impact sections of the M5, A30, A38, A35 & the A303, especially around Okehampton, Bodmin, Blackdown Hills & Haldon Hill."
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Across the border in Devon, the A38 and A380 has been closed at Haldon Hill after a serious amount of snowfall landed in Devon this afternoon. Drivers are caught in a road closure, as gritters are sent to the scene to de-ice the carriageways.
Traffic has temporarily been held southbound, National Highways has said, with delays of around 45 minutes while snow plow gritters are in the road. Meanwhile, traffic monitor Inrix reports: "A380 Telegraph Hill Northbound closed, heavy traffic due to snow from Great Haldon (Kenn) to Kennford turn off ( Exeter ). Vehicles have become stuck."
Devon Alert said: "A380/A38 is closed southbound and westbound at Splatford Split currently due to snow. The A380 is closed northbound and A38 still open Eastbound."
Power cuts and loss of mobile phone service are also possible, as are rail and flight cancellations. The Met Office said: "A380 Telegraph Hill Northbound closed, heavy traffic due to snow from Great Haldon (Kenn) to Kennford turn off (Exeter).Vehicles have become stuck."
Photos shared from the A38 reveal a significant amount of snow on the road at Holden Hill. There are also restrictions in place on the A38 at Chudleigh while more snow is cleared from the road. Traffic monitor Inrix reports: "Long delays due to snow on A38 Expressway in both directions around Racecourse Junction. Congestion to Chudleigh and Okehampton. A clear up is underway."