This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-wear-16952926

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Cumbria drivers warned in freezing rain Cumbria drivers warned as freezing rain causes 97 crashes
(about 1 hour later)
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. Emergency services in Cumbria have dealt with 97 crashes in less than six hours caused by freezing rain.
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.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.
The A66 also saw a multi-vehicle accident near Penrith. So far there have been no serious injuries reported.
Police have urged drivers not to take to the roads unless journey are "absolutely necessary."
Some schools have also been closed as a precaution.Some schools have also been closed as a precaution.
BBC weatherman Paul Mooney said rain was falling on to frozen roads and immediately creating sheet ice. A Cumbria Police spokesman said all the collisions were reported between 05:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT.
'Perfect storm' He said: "All of the county's roads have been affected by ice and we are warning people to take care.
Mr Mooney said: "We have fairly hazardous morning roads and pavements. "If your journey is not essential, then please do not drive. If you do have to travel, please take extreme care when driving, slow down and keep a substantial breaking distance from the car in front.
"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. "The A66 from Stainmore remains closed, the M6 between junction 36 and 38 is only passable with care and a 20mph speed limit has been issued.
"So when that rain and drizzle hits those freezing roads and pavements it just freezes instantly and creates sheet ice. "The A590 is passable with extreme care, but there have been wagon's which have jackknifed at Lindale Hill, which is blocking traffic."
"It might just look like a damp road or pavement but it's really ice and very, very dangerous." Health officials said accident and emergency staff at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle were working hard to deal with numerous victims of road accidents who had suffered non life-threatening injuries.
The Met Office had earlier issued a severe weather warning of ice for the region. 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.
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. "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.
"This is down to the terrible road conditions out there on the main roads. "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."
"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.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.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."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."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. "Our gritting crews did a full run last night and are running at full capacity today to do what we can to counter the hazardous conditions.
"We are expecting these conditions to last for about the next 24 hours.""We are expecting these conditions to last for about the next 24 hours."
Parish councils are being offered additional supplies of grit in an effort to keep rural access routes open.
'Milder air'
Some bus services have also been affected, including the Fellrunner service from Langwathby to Penrith, which has been cancelled.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. BBC weatherman Paul Mooney said rain was falling on to frozen roads and immediately creating sheet ice.
"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. Mr Mooney said: "We have fairly hazardous morning roads and pavements.
"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. " "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.
"It might just look like a damp road or pavement but it's really ice and very, very dangerous."
The Met Office had earlier issued a severe weather warning of ice for the region.
Have you been affected by the icy conditions? You can send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Have you been affected by the icy conditions? You can send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions