Snow chaos on roads - more to come?

Dec 2 2008 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT’S SNOW GO!

THE snow brought early morning chaos across Huddersfield with a spate of crashes, shut schools and motorways in virtual gridlock.

Main roads leading to the M62 were at a virtual standstill with traffic queuing to get on at Brighouse, Ainley Top and Outlane, causing delays of at least an hour.

Police had reports of a spate of crashes with cars skidding off roads, hitting walls and bridges.

Snow on high ground such as Scapegoat Hill settled around four inches deep. The local junior school was closed.

At least one high school – Salendine Nook High – was closed, while others such as Colne Valley remained open.

Deputy headteacher Peter Hirst said: “We regret to closing the school, but had to make a decision in terms of safety.

“There was already ice on the ground and snow fell on top it, making it dangerous.

“A number of members of staff rang in to say they were stuck in traffic or were unable to get their cars out from their drives and the decision was taken to close the school.”