Devon's drivers warned to take care as icy conditions set to hit this weekend

Devon County Council has urged all road users to take extra care this weekend, with severe overnight frosts and widespread ice expected on the region’s roads, footpaths and cycle ways. 

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for ice from 6pm this evening (Friday) through to 10am Saturday morning and snow and ice from 3pm Sunday to midday Monday.

Road surface temperatures across Devon are expected to fall as low as -8.4 degrees in some parts of the county, creating a significant risk of icy patches on both treated and untreated routes.

Hard frosts are likely throughout the weekend and ice may form wherever wintry showers fall on cold surfaces.

The council’s gritting crews have been carrying out treatments across Devon’s main salting network and will continue to grit priority routes through the evenings and into the early hours.

Drivers should never assume a road has been salted and in very low temperatures, even treated roads may still develop ice.

The persistent freeze follows earlier heavy showers in parts of the South West, meaning some standing water may freeze, increasing the chance of black ice.

Motorists and other road users are advised to follow winter‑driving guidance:

* Allow extra time for your journey and check the latest forecast before travelling.

* Reduce speed and increase stopping distances on all road types.

* Do not assume roads are ice‑free, even if they look clear or form part of the gritting network.

* Be particularly cautious on rural untreated routes and those over high ground, where freezing temperatures and snow showers are more likely.

* Watch for icy pavements and cycle paths, with a heightened risk of slips and falls.

More travel information and advice is available on the county council’s winter travel webpages or for updates follow @DevonAlert on X (Twitter) and Facebook.

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