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A66 in Cumbria closed after lorries jackknife on ice Cumbria drivers warned in freezing rain
(40 minutes later)
The A66 in Cumbria has been closed after a number of lorries jackknifed in icy conditions. Drivers have been urged not to venture on to roads in Cumbria after police were called to more than 60 accidents caused by freezing rain.
Snow gates on the trans-Pennine route were shut after the accidents near Stainmore as the Met Office issued an amber warning for ice for the area. The A66 trans-Pennine route was closed after a number of lorries jackknifed near Stainmore and there has been a large number of crashes on the M6.
BBC weatherman Paul Mooney said the problem was being caused by rain falling on to frozen roads and immediately creating sheet ice. Some schools have also been closed as a precaution.
Police said drivers should take things slowly even on gritted roads. BBC weatherman Paul Mooney said rain was falling on to frozen roads and immediately creating sheet ice.
Police in Cumbria and Durham have urged motorists to travel only if journeys are absolutely necessary. 'Perfect storm'
'Milder air'
Mr Mooney said: "We have fairly hazardous morning roads and pavements.Mr Mooney said: "We have fairly hazardous morning roads and pavements.
"This is all because the temperatures have dropped to sub-zero again overnight and what has happened is that over the last few hours a band of cloud has brought slightly milder air and with it rain."This is all because the temperatures have dropped to sub-zero again overnight and what has happened is that over the last few hours a band of cloud has brought slightly milder air and with it rain.
"So when that rain and drizzle hits those freezing roads and pavements it just freezes instantly and creates sheet ice."So when that rain and drizzle hits those freezing roads and pavements it just freezes instantly and creates sheet ice.
"It might just look like a damp road or pavement but it's really ice and very, very dangerous.""It might just look like a damp road or pavement but it's really ice and very, very dangerous."
Ch Insp Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police's Operations Command, added: "Rain is falling, but freezing as soon as it hits the road surface. The Met Office had earlier issued a severe weather warning of ice for the region.
"This is leading to very icy conditions and we would advise motorists to drive slowly and be mindful of this, even on roads that have been gritted. A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "So far this morning we have had more than 60 road traffic collision reported to us, which is vastly higher than we would expect for an average winter morning.
"All areas are potentially hazardous in these conditions. Drivers should moderate their speed, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front as stopping distances are longer on wet and icy roads, and they should try not to brake sharply." "This is down to the terrible road conditions out there on the main roads.
"The south and east of the county appears to be worst affected with the A66 at Stainmore and the A684 Kendal to Sedburgh route. The A595 is only passable with care.
"We have also seen a large number of collisions on the M6 and extra heavy gritting has been requested from the Highways Agency.
"Our advice to motorists is only to travel if journeys are absolutely essential."
Warm air
A spokesman for Cumbria County Council described road conditions as "challenging" and said extra gritting shifts had been ordered.
He said: "This has turned into a sort of perfect storm of bad weather.
"We have got very low ground temperatures with rain falling on top of that as a band of warm air has come in.
"This has lulled people into a false sense of security because the ground looks wet when in fact it is frozen.
"Our gritting crews did a full run last night and are running at full capacity today to o what we can to counter the hazardous conditions.
"We are expecting these conditions to last for about the next 24 hours."
Some bus services have also been affected, including the Fellrunner service from Langwathby to Penrith, which has been cancelled.
Derek Cartwright, director of emergency services for the North West Ambulance Service, said: "We have already experienced a higher number of road traffic collisions than normal in Cumbria and we are urging the public to take extra care whilst out on the roads.
"We need older people and those who have long-term conditions to make sure they keep taking their medication and have sufficient supplies so that they don't need to go out for more during the cold spell.
"I would urge people to be good neighbours and make sure the people they live near, especially ones who are older or suffering from serious illness, are safe and well this winter. "