Yellow ice warning issued for Exeter as temperatures plunge below freezing

A yellow weather warning for ice has been issued for Exeter, with forecasters warning of hazardous travel conditions from 5pm on Friday 13 February until 10am on Saturday 14 February.

The warning, issued by the Met Office, covers much of England and Wales and includes Devon. It highlights the risk of icy surfaces leading to difficult travel conditions overnight and into Saturday morning.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “A Yellow ice warning is currently in force for Exeter and the wider Devon area from 5pm today until 10am Saturday, highlighting the risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces as temperatures fall below freezing overnight.”

“Saturday is likely to be the best day of the weekend after a frosty start, with a cold and bright day for most. However, the sunshine will turn increasingly hazy through the afternoon before further rain arrives from the west by the evening.”

“Sunday will be a blustery day with showers, and Monday will see sunshine and blustery showers, with further rain possible on Tuesday.”

According to the Met Office, residents in Exeter can expect “some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths”, warning to be careful of slips and injuries.

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In further detail, the national forecaster said: “A band of rain and sleet, with a little snow on hills, will clear southwards across England and Wales during Friday evening and overnight.” 

“As skies clear, temperatures will fall below freezing leading to a risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces.”

The warning comes into force at 17:00 on Friday and remains in place until 10:00 on Saturday.

Exeter residents are being urged to take extra care, particularly during early morning journeys. 

The Met Office advises people to “keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy” and to plan ahead.

“Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls,” the agency said.

Pedestrians are advised to stick to pavements along main roads, which are more likely to have been treated, while cyclists should also use main routes where possible. 

Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before setting off and ensure they are prepared for winter driving.

The Met Office also recommends preparing a winter kit for vehicles and checking bus and train timetables in advance, as services could be affected by icy conditions.

Officials stressed that weather warnings can change and said people should stay up to date with the latest local forecast.

The ice alert has been categorised as a yellow warning, meaning there is a medium likelihood of disruption but a relatively low overall impact. Yellow warnings are issued to raise awareness of potentially hazardous weather that could cause travel delays and an increased risk of accidents.

Residents across Exeter are being advised to take extra care overnight and during the Saturday morning commute as temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.