Ice warning after heavy snow brings hazardous conditions to Derbyshire’s roads

The heaviest snowfall of the year, coupled with freezing temperatures, has led to hazardous driving conditions on Derbyshire’s roads.
Snowfall in Dove Holes, near Buxton. Photo by Jake Land.Snowfall in Dove Holes, near Buxton. Photo by Jake Land.
Snowfall in Dove Holes, near Buxton. Photo by Jake Land.

Rain, sleet and snow affected many parts of the county on Boxing Day evening, with Buxton and the Peak District among the areas worst affected. Up to eight inches of snow is reported to have fallen in some places.

Dangerous driving conditions were reported, with some drivers reportedly stranded on high-level routes and forced to abandon their vehicles.

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The A537 Cat and Fiddle, A54 Congleton Road and B5470 between Chapel-en-le-Frith and Macclesfield are all confirmed open, with tricky driving conditions reported on many other roads in the area.

The illuminated fountain in the pond at a snowy Pavilion Gardens, by Stuart McNeil.The illuminated fountain in the pond at a snowy Pavilion Gardens, by Stuart McNeil.
The illuminated fountain in the pond at a snowy Pavilion Gardens, by Stuart McNeil.

The A57 Snake Pass near Glossop remains closed due to snow and ice. A jackknifed wagon is causing problems on the A623 at the Tideswell crossroads.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “Gritters and snow ploughs spent the night out continuously, and will keep gritting and ploughing main roads throughout the day.

“We are trying to grit/plough secondary routes, but our priorities are the main roads and we are doing all we can with the resources that we have.

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“Temperatures are expected to fall this afternoon so melted snow will freeze again. Please do not travel unless you really need to.”

On public transport, High Peak Buses has suspended its 441, 442 and 60 services, although the 185 Buxton town service is now running. The TransPeak service is operating but currently not serving Taddington or Ashford-in-the-Water, while the 190 and 199 services are not calling at Peak Dale.

TrentBarton said its buses were running as normal, although with diversions to some routes.

Trains are also now operating normally between Nottingham and Chesterfield after fallen trees affected local services.

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A signalling problem in the Edale area is causing delays of around 30 minutes to rail journeys between Stockport and Sheffield.

Met Office yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued for Derbyshire, with further snow showers on high ground expected later this afternoon and into the evening.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Although not all places will see the showers, and some of the lighter ones will fall as rain or sleet at low levels, further accumulations of snow will occur during the heavier ones, especially over the hills and higher ground.

“Many areas will see very little snow accumulation but as much as 2cm to 5 cm is expected over higher ground and perhaps as much as 10cm very locally.”

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Widespread icy patches are also expected to form on untreated surfaces.

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