Forecasters predict snow across region tomorrow (From The Northern Echo)

Forecasters predict snow across region tomorrow

10:49am Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Andy Walker

FORECASTERS say the region could experience as much as 2in of snow this weekend.

Julian Mayes, from weather forecasting company Meteo Group, said: “People can expect fairly persistent snow, even in lower areas, by mid-afternoon on Saturday.”

Councils have placed gritters and ploughs on standby and police have warned drivers to slow down, allow more time for their journey and leave more room between their car and the vehicle ahead.

Mr Mayes said respite from the big freeze was not expected until Monday, when milder temperatures were expected, although he has not ruled out more snow next week.

Age UK has called on people to check on elderly neighbours and relatives to ensure they stay warm. Up to 30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather in the UK every year, according to the NHS.

An Age UK spokeswoman said: “Many people believe that the only risk of winter weather is getting a cold, but the risk is much greater.

“Low temperatures raise blood pressure, which puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as increasing the likelihood and severity of flu and other respiratory problems.

“We want older people to be able to enjoy the winter and, most importantly, stay well.”

Meanwhile, the region’s hedgehog population may also suffer from the cold snap.

The sudden drop in temperature could leave them vulnerable because many have not gained enough weight to enable them to hibernate.

Carole Catchpole, of the Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trust, is caring for 93 hedgehogs that are underweight and unable to survive in the wild.

She said: “Hedgehogs need to be a sufficient weight to survive the winter – at least 600g – to hibernate into spring. I found one in the bottom of my garden and she was tiny – only 347g. I took her in and she will be fed until she is big enough to be released.”