'Dangerous' - Fresh travel and health warnings issued ahead of snow and ice hitting Greater Manchester

The Met Office had earlier this month forecast a drop in temperatures for the coming week in Greater Manchester. This resulted in a yellow warning for snow and ice being issued. Throughout the week, temperatures are set to struggle to get above 5C. Rain and sleet is set to hit parts of Greater Manchester tonight (November 18). 

Transport for Greater Manchester has urged people to take care and plan their journeys over the coming days carefully. The travel operator has said it will be gritting bus stations and interchanges and running trams through the night to keep overhead lines clear of frost.  Platforms and crossings are also being treated with grit and anti-icing measures to keep them safe for use.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM said: “Temperatures are set to drop significantly over the next couple of days, which could result in dangerous driving conditions as well as potentially causing disruption to our bus and tram networks. 

“We want everyone to stay safe over what could be a hazardous period, so it’s really important people do plan their journeys, allow themselves plenty of time – and always have a back-up plan in case of disruption. Together with partners, we will be doing everything we can to keep the city moving and everyone safe as they make their journeys across our city region.” 

The drop in temperatures has also prompted advice to be issued by the UK Health Security Agency. An amber cold weather warning has been issued by the UKHSA for large parts of the UK- including the North West. 

Care is especially needed for  individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough. The warning came into place at 10am today (November 18) and is in place until 6pm on Saturday November 23 at 6pm. 

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”