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Freezing temperatures and snowfall are expected to continue today as the 'Beast from the East' takes its grip on Burton and East Staffordshire.

According to the Met Office , heavy snow showers are expected on Wednesday in Burton between noon and 1pm.

Yesterday, saw heavy snow just before midday, with a number of light flurries throughout the afternoon leaving roughly two inches on the ground.

Most of the country has been hit by the adverse weather, with the Midlands currently subject to a yellow weather warning for Wednesday, February 28.

The yellow warning dictates that there is the potential for travel delays on roads, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

The Beast from the East is so named because the freezing weather front has come from Russia, and will see many parts of the country hit by snow and sub-zero temperatures throughout the week.

Road closures in Derbhsire

Derbyshire roads which are currently closed:

  • A57 Snake Pass
  • A6024 Holme Moss
  • A53 Leek Road
  • A537 Cat & Fiddle
  • Monks Road between Chunal and Charlesworth
  • B6105 Torside Glossop to the A628
  • Rushup Edge, near Castleton
  • Winnats Pass, near Castleton
  • A6 Buxton to Chapel
  • A623 Calver to Chapel
  • A624 Chapel to Glossop
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Crews to be out through the night in Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council has said that gritting crews will be out through the night to keep routes clear.

The authority said that crews, together with farmer contractors, have been working to clear the principal network in the north of the county this afternoon, which has been hit hardest. These are roads which are vital for essential services such as hospitals.

In the south of the county, crews are currently out gritting secondary routes, having treated all primary routes in the area this afternoon. They will continue to grit these primary and secondary routes throughout the night, a spokesman said.

The authority said: “We’ve also been working alongside 4x4 volunteers to help people travel to essential hospital appointments and transport carers where needed to make sure elderly and vulnerable residents continue to receive the social care they rely on.

“Temperatures plummeted to -9C last night and are forecast to drop even lower tonight. There’s plenty of grit on the county’s roads, but it doesn’t work as effectively in such extreme low temperatures.

“Conditions are treacherous and we’re advising people only to travel if absolutely essential.”

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East Midlands Ambulance Service cancels all patient transport services journeys

East Midlands Ambulance Service has cancelled all patient transport services journeys until 10am tomorrow.

A spokesman said: “Does your mum, dad, grandma or grandpa use our Patient Transport Services?

“Due to the severe weather conditions on the roads, we have cancelled all journeys which are not for vital treatment.

“Patients who have appointments for vital treatment such as chemotherapy and dialysis, and patients leaving hospital, will be prioritised at this time.

“Our patient transport services call centre and hospital clinics are contacting patients where possible to alert them to the cancellation of these journeys, but please help us by passing on the message to any loved ones who use our service.

“If you have a loved one who is being discharged from hospital today or tomorrow morning, please support us by collecting them if possible so we can continue to help those who need us most.

“The Booking Line is available on 0300 300 34 34 and the team will answer any questions you may have. The line is currently very busy but we will answer your call as soon as we can.”

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Accident at causing delays at Castle Donington

Drivers heading on the A42 at Castle Donington are warned to expect some delays.

According to traffic and travel website Inrix, there has been an accident on the northbound carriageway, with traffic backing up from J14 A453 at Castle Donington to the M1 J23A/A453.

One lane of two has been closed as the result of the accident.

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Snow set to return with heavy shower

The snow is not finished for today as forecasters predict a heavy shower between 6pm and 7pm so wrap up warm.

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Reminder not to let your home temperature drop

Putting the heating on might seem like the most obvious course of action to warm yourself up, but different bodies need different temperatures depending on age and general health.

For those older than 65-years-old, not very mobile or suffering from a health condition like heart or lung disease, the NHS recommends to heat your home to at least 18C.

If you are health and active, you can safely have your home cooler than this, but babies should sleep in rooms heated between 16C and 20C to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

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Flowers braving the snow

Burton Mail reader, Jane Beebee, submitted this picture of some lovely flowers in her Walton garden braving the cold.

Have you got any beautiful pictures in the snow? Submit them to us at editorial@burtonmail.co.uk.

These flowers braved the cold in Walton
These flowers braved the cold in Walton
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Make sure you are not neglecting your health in the cold

According to the Met Office, there are three key tips to keep people healthy while weather warnings for ice and snow are in place.

They are as follows:

  1. Keep your hands and face warm. If they get cold, they can trigger a rise in blood pressure which puts you at an increased risk of a heart attack.
  2. Remember that several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, this is because layers trap warm air in.
  3. Always wear warm clothes to bed. When it is very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hot. You always lose a lot of heat through your head.
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Burton birds aren't fond of the snow...

Even pigeons are taking cover from the snow in the entrance to Burton Place shopping centre.

Pigeons taking cover from the snow in the entrance to Burton Place shopping centre
Pigeons taking cover from the snow in the entrance to Burton Place shopping centre
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Derbyshire Police back Met Office warning

Derbyshire Police have shared a warning from the Met Office for snow and are urging drivers to take extra care.

A statement from the force read: “The Met Office has recently changed the warning for Derbyshire from yellow to amber, saying that frequent heavy snow showers will continue for much of today.

“Keep an eye on the forecast and if you expect to encounter snow or ice on your journey, make sure you have warm clothing in the car, water, a shovel and a torch.

“Take care when driving during wintery conditions and if you see a road closed sign, don’t ignore it. If you continue to drive on a closed road and you have an accident, it may invalidate your insurance.”

For more information, visit the Met Office website https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings

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Watch as heavy snow returns to Burton

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The snow has started falling again!

The snow has returned to Burton
The snow has returned to Burton
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Barton Marina in the snow

This picture was taken in a flurry of snow at Barton Marina yesterday by Karen Lanchester.

Have you got any nice Beast from the East pictures you would like to send us? Submit them to editorial@burtonmail.co.uk.

Barton Marina in the snow
Barton Marina in the snow (Image: Karen Lanchester)
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Brace yourself!

Forecasts are predicting an 80 per cent chance of heavy snow between noon and 1pm today, according to the Met Office.

Moving into the afternoon, there is expected to be light flutters of snow at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

If you take any fantastic pictures in the snow, make sure you send them in at editorial@burtonmail.co.uk.

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The cold temperatures are not stopping this police event today...

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Spotted anyone homeless in the freezing temperatures?

In these sub-zero temperatures, a thought should be spared for those living on the streets.

The YMCA, in Burton is running a winter night shelter initiative, held every evening, right up to Saturday, March 31 at St Paul’s church, next to the town hall in the town.

Hot meals are being served at 8pm, with light breakfasts in the mornings from 7am until 7.30am.

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Struggling to keep the kids entertained today?

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How long is the 'Best from the East' expected to last?

Snowy conditions are expected to grip central parts of the UK until next week.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkhill said: “It’s going to last quite a while, I’m afraid. ‘The worst of the snow across the UK will fall on Wednesday and Thursday this week and then on Friday Storm Emma will bring further snow and rain.

“In the coming days we are likely to see heavy snow showers and freezing rain across areas in the north and south of England. ‘Central and northern areas will see snow showers continuing into the weekend, while in the south it will be less cold and we will probably see rain instead of snow on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are likely to see the chance of snow continuing across northern and central areas into next week.”

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More pictures from yesterday's snow flurry

Picture: Simon Deacon The Beast from the East shows itself in Burton town centre Pictured: Shoppers on Station Street
Picture: Simon Deacon The Beast from the East shows itself in Burton town centre Pictured: Shoppers on Station Street
Picture: Simon Deacon The Beast from the East shows itself in Burton town centre Pictured: Shoppers on Station Street
Picture: Simon Deacon The Beast from the East shows itself in Burton town centre Pictured: Shoppers on Station Street
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When should we see snow in Burton?

The Met Office has given its latest snow forecast for Burton. Here’s when you can expect it to fall:

Today

Noon to 1pm – 80% chance of heavy snow

1pm to 2pm – 40% chance of light snow

2pm to 3pm – no snow

3pm to 4pm – 30% chance of light snow

4pm to 5pm – no snow

5pm to 6pm – 30% chance of heavy snow

6pm to midnight – no snow

Tomorrow – no snow

Friday

Midnight to 6pm – no snow

6pm to midnight – 50% chance of light snow

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Advice from the NHS on staying healthy in the cold

The NHS has offered some crucial advice to residents about how to stay safe and healthy through the cold weather.

A statement from the health body reads: “Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That’s why it’s important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or a cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

“Flu is very infectious and spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

“To reduce the risk of spreading flu, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with warm water and soap, and bin used tissues as quickly as possible. Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.”

Anybody who is pregnant, aged 65 or older, have a long-term health condition or are a carer are eligible for a free flu vaccination. Children aged two or three are also eligible.

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What exactly is the 'Beast from the East'?

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Two school closures announced in Burton area

Winshill Village Primary School will be closed to all pupils today, Wednesday, February 28, after a leak in the hall after the snow.

Elsewhere, parents of Year 8 pupils at Abbott Beyne School, in Burton are being warned that continued boiler issues will see the school closed for that year group alone on Wednesday, February 28.

Read the full story here

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Will we see another heavy downfall like the one seen in Burton yesterday?

Picture: Simon Deacon The Beast from the East shows itself in Burton town centre Pictured: Shoppers on Station Street
Picture: Simon Deacon The Beast from the East shows itself in Burton town centre Pictured: Shoppers on Station Street
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Gritters tackle freezing temperatures in Staffordshire

Gritting crews from Staffordshire County Council were out in force last night.

The council are warning motorists that the effectiveness of the grit will slow due to the freezing temperatures and reminding all to drive with extra care on the roads.

Gritters were out throughout the night and into this morning, with snow ploughs and tractor ploughs in operation.

Helen Fisher, cabinet support member for highways and transport said: “Our gritting crews experienced the lowest temperatures of the winter so far last night and this has created hazardous driving conditions in places.

“We would like to assure people that all primary and secondary routes have been gritted – however effectiveness of grit slows as a result of sub-zero conditions and so it is important that everyone drives with extra care.

“We’re expecting more snow later showers today and into the night along with extremely cold conditions. The gritting teams will continue their hard work to keep the county moving.”

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How is the forecast looking across the country?

Check out how the weather is looking up and down the country.

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Delays on the roads this morning...

Commuters braving the freezing temperatures this morning are being warned about slow traffic on Stanton Road, Stapenhill.

According to traffic monitoring website, Inrix, the A444 northbound, before St Peter’s Bridge is seeing some travel issues, with a travel time of six minutes estimated.

One of our reporters took this picture on the road leading to Stanton Primary School.

Gridlock traffic near to Stanton Primary School
Gridlock traffic near to Stanton Primary School
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Abbott Beyne school still partially closed

Parents of Year 8 pupils at Abbott Beyne School, in Burton are being warned that continued boiler issues will see the school closed for that year group alone on Wednesday, February 28.

A broken boiler in the Linnell building of the school, with temperatures plummeting too low to teach in.

Lessons are instead being held in the Evershed building at the school, but there is not enough room for all, so the school had to be closed on Monday, February 26 to Year 10 students.

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And here it comes...

A light flurry of snow was seen this morning in Worthington Way, Burton, this morning at around 7.45am.

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Winshill Village Primary closed to pupils today

Winshill Village Primary will be closed to all pupils today after a leak broke out in the hall following a downfall of snow.

A spokesman from the school confirmed that lead was stolen from the roof of the Brough Road school, in Winshill, during the half-term holiday last week.

Following a downfall of snow on Tuesday, February 27, they claim that a leak started to appear in the hall of the school when the snow melted on the roof.

They also confirmed that the school should re-open tomorrow.

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