5.5.3.1 Forecasting ice as a result of water run-off onto frozen roads

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‘The omission of forecasting ice a result of water run-off (seepage) onto frozen roads is likely to be a notable contributor to the low level of accuracy of MET Office ice forecasts’

 

 It is MET Office policy not to forecast ice when it will be caused by a combination of sub-zero road temperatures and water run-off from, for example, fields or streams. This omission is likely to be a notable contributor to the low level of accuracy of MET Office ice forecasts

 

 

Water run-off ( or seepage as it is sometimes known as ) is commonplace can be  a significant contributor the number of days that the local authorities grit roads. For example, in 2016/2017 North Somerset carried out 30 full gritting runs and 30 occasions when they treated areas of seepage only. Commuters will be familiar with the vulnerable locations on their route to work.