Early Warning: Heavy Snow & Blizzards 24 to 27 Nov 05

[pheonix]

some collegues of mine reported snow in cheltenham and devon this morning, there were some very cold miserable faces arriving back in the office this afternoon

nothing around me yet, but as much as i like snow it does isolate me as i live up on top of a hill eight miles from anywhere (well anywhere with a population to speak of!). which is also good as i had my tree climbing assessment today and my worst fear was snow, thankfully i had a very plesent day

[Fourwings]

At last - Monday morning, a fantastic sunrise & now it's snowing, probably only a shower but hey, it's a start!!

[StuartDH]

Hi Fourwings,

Read your message this morning and I was gutted as we hadn't had any snow overnight and not even the faintest sign of any this morning, but then in the last hour...yippee!

First just a flake or two, then 'is it snow or just slow rain?', then I started some work on the PC and when I looked outside 5 minutes later it's a virtual whiteout...and it's settling.

If there's enough for a snowman I'll be out there this afternoon and I'll post some pics in the gallery.

[nightshade]

WHAT TO KEEP IN THE CAR depends largely on where you drive, as my route
is mainly country road I carry a few bits and pieces.
MATS ,these I put under the driving wheels if I lose traction,fasten to the towing eye with cord so they tag along with the car once you are moving,remove as soon as possible
FOLDING-spade, a cheap entrenching tool bought years ago, dug several people out
REFLECTIVE vest, or any garment to make you visible against the snow
TOW rope, self explanatory
WARM clothing, many people drive in shirt sleeves heater full on,then when something untoward occurs they have no heating and no means of keeping warm(there are two people somewhere wearing my old coats)
SPACE blanket,useful if there are casualtys or small children
TELL someone, where you are going what time you expect to arrive/return
MOBILEphone, make sure you have charged it and you have credit
CAMERA,pics.for insurance in case of accident,also because snow scenes are beautiful
WHAT DO YOU CARRY?

[wildone]

What very good advice Nightshade.

Can I add a hot drink in a thermos and food even if only chocolate, anything to keep the blood sugar level up.

[nightshade]

Kendle mint cake lasts longer, the flask is good,sports drinks can be kept for longer
Carry jump leads, or Ask around so you know who does,the AA,RAC,etc. can be stretched at times.
Tyre pressures are important,as is the general good condition of the cooling system
Carry a can of WD 40 or similar to dewater the ignition,and as a one off a soft lead pencil for the spark plugs
be prepared to keep your feet warm and dry!

[nightshade]

Strong cold winds even if you have antifreeze in the system at the correct strength, try to parkwith the rear of the car to the prevailing wind,if it is particularly cold squeeze the bottom hose of the radiator before starting from cold, the system may have a slushy mix of ice and anti freeze if it has, allow the engine to warm up gently then check again this could avoid overheating due to poor coolant circulation.
Tune to a good local radio station for advanced warning of problems allow more time for your journey,do not brake or accelarate hard safe journey all of you

[nightshade]

before I forget lubricate the car door rubber seals with silicone polish to stop them freezing shut!

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by StuartDH

If there's enough for a snowman I'll be out there this afternoon and I'll post some pics in the gallery.

Did you get enough of the white stuff to make that snowman Stu?

It soon stopped here this morning, but then the heavens opened at around 4 this afternoon, at the moment we have about 4cm lying on the ground & its starting to freeze, looks good for some wintery images in the morning

[pheonix]

ok this just isnt fair, snow in devon last week whem im at home, i go down to devon this week and theres snow at home?!!??!!

[nightshade]

what to keep in the car 28/11/05 12:17pm ,take care all you travellers,especially if you have not driven in the snow before