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AA Travel Advice update – Fog, Snow and Ice

Sub-zero temperatures and snow on the roads

The AA is alerting drivers that the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for freezing fog, snow and ice across many parts of the UK.

10 January 2025

Driving in fog image credit tony rich

The alerts, which warn some travel disruption is likely, cover much of Scotland for most of Friday. There are also warnings for the majority of Northern Ireland, much of the East Coast and the North West of England, Midlands and Wales. The AA predicts that Friday could see a major increase in workload due to the adverse conditions with conditions expected to slightly improve across the weekend and into the early part of next week.

“If you do need to travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible”
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year

The AA and Met Office have said that some roads, particularly in the north, are likely to be affected, with freezing fog and icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

The AA is issuing travel advice for drivers and urges drivers to check forecasts before venturing out. In the most affected areas drivers are asked to consider if the journey is necessary. In hard hit areas those who still need to make essential trips, are warned that roads will be hazardous, so extreme caution is advised.

Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, says: “If you do need to travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles, and try to use main roads where possible as these are more likely to have been gritted. Allow extra time, as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel or electrical charge if driving an electric vehicle (EV).

“Before setting off, check the condition of your tyres (including the spare). It’s important to fully de-ice the car which includes clearing snow from the windows, lights and roof so you can see and be seen. If you need to use your fog lights, remember to switch them off once visibility improves.

“It’s also worth having winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, and a flask of hot drink. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app and what3words to help us get to you faster if the worst should happen.

“The cold snap is also impacting vehicle breakdown levels, with faults such as flat batteries and wiper faults.”

Regions and local authorities affected

Grampian

  • Aberdeen
  • Aberdeenshire
  • Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

  • Highland

North East England

  • Redcar and Cleveland

North West England

  • Blackburn with Darwen
  • Blackpool
  • Cheshire East
  • Cheshire West and Chester
  • Cumbria
  • Greater Manchester
  • Halton
  • Lancashire
  • Merseyside
  • Warrington

Northern Ireland

  • County Antrim
  • County Armagh
  • County Down
  • County Londonderry
  • County Tyrone

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

  • Dumfries and Galloway

Strathclyde

  • Argyll and Bute
  • East Ayrshire
  • Inverclyde
  • North Ayrshire
  • Renfrewshire
  • South Ayrshire
  • West Dunbartonshire

Wales

  • Conwy
  • Denbighshire
  • Flintshire
  • Gwynedd
  • Isle of Anglesey
  • Powys
  • Wrexham

West Midlands

  • Shropshire
  • Staffordshire
  • Stoke-on-Trent
  • Telford and Wrekin
  • West Midlands Conurbation

Yorkshire & Humber

  • East Riding of Yorkshire
  • Kingston upon Hull
  • North East Lincolnshire
  • North Yorkshire

 Live traffic updates are available at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news

UK weather warnings - Met Office

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