Cold weather – service updates
Updates on cold weather alerts and where to get help and support
Stay up to date with the latest service information, including travel, support for rough sleepers, and staying warm and well during this period of cold weather on this news page or by following us on X.
Friday 18 January 2024
Travel
Road surface temperatures are predicted to reach minus three degrees overnight, so gritters will be out pre-treating priority routes for ice from early this afternoon (Friday 19 January). Please follow @scchighways on X for further travel updates over the weekend.
Thursday 18 January 2024
Travel
It’s another cold day in Southampton again today! Temperatures are forecasted to drop below zero overnight in Southampton, so our gritters will be out pre-treating priority routes for ice from early this afternoon (Thursday 18 January).
Support for rough sleepers - SWEP activated
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated and will run until Monday 22 January 2024 at 9am when temperatures are currently forecast to improve.
Wednesday 17 January 2024
Travel
Temperatures are again forecasted to drop below zero overnight in Southampton, so our gritters will be out pre-treating priority routes for ice from early this afternoon (Wednesday 17 January).
Tuesday 16 January 2024
Travel
Temperatures are predicted to drop below zero overnight in Southampton, so our gritters will be out pre-treating priority routes for ice from early this afternoon (Tuesday 16 January).
Monday 15 January 2024
Travel
Temperatures are predicted to drop below zero overnight in Southampton, so our gritters will be out pre-treating priority routes for ice from early this afternoon (Monday 15 January).
We have crews on standby to treat priority routes any time the temperature drops, and we have teams ready to respond 24/7 to the worst of the winter weather.
You can find more information about priority routes and salt bins on our webpage and you can keep up to date with the latest news by following @scchighhways on X (formerly Twitter).
Whether you’re walking, wheeling, or driving, please take extra care when travelling, stay safe out on the roads and take advantage of the £2 fare cap and £1 evening fare offers for a warmer trip.
Please follow the signage on key routes into the city for up to the minute information and check transport operator websites and social media before travelling for updates to bus, rail and ferry services.
If you come across a highway issue in Southampton, please report this by visiting our webpage. For reporting a highway issue in Hampshire, please visit Hampshire County Council’s website.
Support for rough sleepers
Due to the continuing cold weather, we have increased our support for rough sleepers in Southampton.
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated last week and will run until Monday 22 January 2024 at 9am when temperatures are currently forecast to improve.
Our Street Homeless Prevention Team is doing more outreach work to locate rough sleepers and encourage those found sleeping out to accept help.
We’ve put together the top five things you can do to show your support on our website.
Staying Warm and Well
The colder weather can make some health problems worse and lead to serious complications, particularly if you are aged 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition.
Here’s a few tips on how you and your family can stay well this winter:
- Heat your home to a comfortable temperature – the NHS recommends this should be at least 18°c
- Keep your bedroom windows and curtains closed at night to keep the heat in
- Wear several layers of clothing – this will keep you warmer than one thick layer
- Check on vulnerable people you know who are more at risk, especially those with heart and lung conditions; get medical help if needed
For more information on keeping well this winter, visit our winter wellness web page and for further information about what funding might be available to you, such as heating improvements, view Southampton Healthy Homes.
Emergency Information
If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, call 111 or visit 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. Urgent Treatment Centres and pharmacies are equipped to deal with minor injuries, such as cuts or sprains.
Please only go to a hospital’s Emergency Department for life-threatening accidents and emergencies. Find details of pharmacies and Urgent Treatment Centres online.
You can also download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities. The app can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, and which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18. It also provides advice and guidance for pregnant women.
View more information on local health services and getting the right care for your needs.
Save the emergency numbers of electricity, 105, Water, 0330 303 0368, and gas, 0800 111 999, in case of outages. If you are elderly, disabled or with very young children you may also wish to register with your utility companies’ Priority Services Register for additional support.
Find out what to do if you have a water or wastewater emergency, click on this helpful advice from Southern Water and for updates on incidents use the Southern Water updates page.
