Ilfracombe People: Snowhunters

The snow is out there! In fact the snow is everywhere apparently...everywhere except Ilfracombe that is!

Despite some weather forecasters predicting snow for Ilfracombe, we have escaped totally unscathed apart from a slight flurry of sleet earlier today. One resident told Ilfracombe People " I am really disappointed it didn't snow here today, it seems it's snowing everywhere else in the country but here! I think it's because we're so close to the sea. I haven't given up though, and am hoping we'll get at least a light coating to make it all christmassy for the Lighting of the Lights tomorrow night."

Pupils at the comp who come in to the school from surrounding areas by bus were sent home early today, due to the heavy snowfall in Lynton and Kentisbury; and if you're willing to brave the frosty roads and icy temperatures in search of the white stuff then there's sledging and snowballing fun to be had at Mullacott and on the moors.

Not everyone is of the "Let it snow" school of thought however. One local motorist told Ilfracombe People of their relief at the lack of snow in Ilfracombe so far " I hate it when the roads are icy and there is snow everywhere. When the conditions are that bad I get too scared to go out on the road and it can make me feel quite isolated as I live on my own."

If you are unsure whether or not the roads are safe to drive on, take a look at Devon County Council's Winter Driving safety tips before you jump in the car. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Devon’s entire road network is passable with care, but icy conditions are being reported on the minor roads which are not treated. It’s also important to remember that ice can form even on roads which have been salted. At the moment we’re lucky that conditions have stayed fairly dry. However, with the possibility of heavy snow coming in, motorists need to plan accordingly and drive with extreme care.” Malcolm Roberts, Highways Agency Area Performance Manager, added: “We would also advise drivers to check the weather and travel reports for the latest information before setting out and decide if their journey is necessary if severe conditions are forecast or weather conditions have worsened.”

Have you been out on a snow hunt over the past few days? Upload pictures of your frosty findings here.