Torbay Council is putting measures in place to ensure it is prepared for more forecast snow at the weekend.

A yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office for Torbay on Sunday when snow is expected to fall. It’s warning that icy surfaces may increase the risk of accidents and injuries, that there is the chance of travel delays on roads and that there could be delayed or cancelled rail travel.

The Council’s Highways team is monitoring the conditions closely through its Winter Maintenance Plan so it can make appropriate decisions on how and when to treat Torbay’s road network.

Precautionary gritting will take place by our partner contractor TOR2, mainly on priority routes, to try and keep roads clear as much as possible. Street scene inspectors will continue to check the roads, and in the worst case scenario gritters can be mounted with ploughs. Members of the public are also invited to use salt in grit bins located in communities across Torbay to help make their local roads and pavements safer.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be activated by the Council’s Housing Options Team; when temperatures drop to zero degrees or below extra accommodation will be created for rough sleepers to protect them against severe conditions. The Council will work closely with partners to provide this service.

As well as snow, there’s the risk of flooding along Torbay’s coast due to a combination of high tides and strong north easterly winds. Overtopping of sea walls is expected on Saturday evening, Sunday morning and evening so as a precaution people are being encouraged to stay safe and stay away from exposed coastal sea front locations.

Torbay Council continues to repair the significant damage caused by Storm Emma and adverse weather conditions. Residents are being urged to report any further damage which may be caused as a result of the potential worsening weekend weather. Everything possible is being done to repair as much as possible before the start of the Easter holidays.