Herefordshire Council reports that all A and B roads in the county have been gritted throughout the night and are passable with care – but motorists are advised that they are likely to encounter black ice without warning, and there is freezing fog in some areas. Most minor and unclassified roads are all passable with extreme care - but pavements in villages, market towns and parts of Hereford are hazardous.

Around 90 schools in Herefordshire are expected to be open today and parents can check with individual school’s web sites or call the council’s emergency information line, which opened at 6am this morning. The number is 0844 939 6101.

The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire dispensed 170 tonnes of rock salt on the roads overnight. They reported at 3.30am a major water leak on the A49 southbound, just past the traffic lights for Saxon Gate in Hereford, and Welsh Water have been notified.
 
The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.

NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/.
 
While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.