WILTSHIRE Council has issued a warning to residents and motorists about treacherous road conditions ahead.

As communities continue to recover from the heavy rain and flooding brought by Storm Chandra, the council gritting teams will be out across the county tonight and overnight to treat key routes.

The council has urged everyone to take extra care on the roads.

Drivers are being told to allow more time for journeys, not to assume roads have been treated, and to watch out for ice and standing water that remains from the storm’s downpours.

“Anyone heading out on foot or on a bicycle should take extra care and be aware of slips and trips in the icy conditions,” the council added.

Storm Chandra has caused widespread disruption across the UK, with severe flooding, travel delays and ongoing flood risk alerts reported in parts of south west England and beyond.

Major weather services have recorded extensive rainfall and warnings remain in place for cold, wet conditions with ice likely developing as temperatures fall overnight.

Residents are being urged to:

• Drive to the conditions –  slow down and maintain a safe distance.
• Avoid standing water where possible – it can hide deep dips and hazards beneath the surface.
• Check travel updates before setting out – conditions can change quickly.
• Be especially cautious walking or cycling – ice can form rapidly on pavements and cycle paths once temperatures drop.

While major roads and priority routes are being treated first, untreated sections – particularly quieter residential streets and footpaths – remain at risk of ice and slippery patches.

Wiltshire Council’s roads and highways teams continue to monitor conditions and respond where needed, but authorities remind the public that personal vigilance and caution are vital as cold weather follows a period of exceptionally wet conditions.