Dynamic weather conditions have seen prolonged and heavy rainfall, resulting in localised flooding across the East Riding, give way to winter weather, with a mix of wintry showers, subzero temperatures and snow forecast.
The council worked around the clock over the Christmas and New Year period to support residents affected by flooding resulting from rain falling on already saturated ground.
Staff and equipment are on standby at the council’s depots and the authority’s fleet of gritters will be deployed to treat the precautionary and secondary networks, as necessary.
The council’s salt barns are fully stocked and the area’s salt bins have been replenished ahead of the weekend.
The council is advising motorists to drive with extreme care as standing water is still affecting parts of the highway which could be made worse by further surface water in fields ending up on the carriageway which could freeze as temperatures drop, causing hazardous driving conditions.
John Skidmore, head of streetscene services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council has been preparing for winter since last summer and has full salt stocks at its barns and orders in place to replenish this as and when required.
“At present, forecasts indicate that this evening will be cloudy with passing showers until about midnight, after which the fleet of gritters will treat the precautionary network as clear skies see temperatures drop below zero.
“The weekend will see a mix of wintry showers and low temperatures with several centimetres of snow forecast on higher ground.
“Forecasts indicate that a further band of snow showers will arrive in the East Riding on Monday and conditions will remain cold.
“The council will continue to treat the precautionary and secondary road networks, as required, and weather conditions will continue to be monitored around the clock. Plans have been made for weekend operations in accordance with the winter maintenance plan.
“We urge all residents to stay safe during this spell of severe winter weather. One of the common denominators of both flooding, experienced in recent weeks, and the cold weather forecast is how it can make driving conditions difficult. We would therefore advise motorists to drive to the conditions, allow extra time for their journeys and travel on the main treated network.”
