Weather conditions update

Winter preparations

We’ll keep this page updated with any services that are affected by the winter weather, including the latest news on school openings. More information about our winter maintenance plan and gritting.

Latest updates

School closures

School closures and opening information

All schools are encouraged to be resilient but there are circumstances in which schools have no option but to close.

Our information is regularly updated and is also sent to:

• Radio Bristol
• Heart Radio
• The Breeze Radio
• 106 Jack fm
• Ceed Radio, and
• Bristol United Press

Waste and recycling collections

View Recycling, rubbish and waste for more information and advice.

Roads and gritting

We have around 1000 tonnes of salt in stock. A usual grit run uses 27 tonnes, however in extreme weather we double the spread rate to 54 tonnes.

There are also 750 grit bins strategically placed around the city on minor routes and hills. 

Find your nearest grit bin

View map of priority gritting routes (pdf, 0.8 MB) (opens new window)

Snow wardens and community snow clearance

The council appoints snow wardens for the hilliest areas of the city, and if you live on a hill it is worth checking that your community has enough cover by contacting us at emerplan@bristol.gov.uk

We are particularly looking for volunteers in the St Andrews, Bishopston, Windmill Hill, Berkley Road areas and other hilly areas in the city. If you're physically fit, being a volunteer snow warden is a great way to meet new people in your community and help the elderly and those less fortunate get out and about.

Find out more about volunteering to be a snow warden.

But you don't have to become a snow warden to help your community organise snow clearance. There are 750 grit bins around the communities of Bristol for residents to use. Follow our snow clearing tips and advice.

Travel

Bus Services

• First Bristol, Bath, eston and the West - see the winter weather disruptions on First website
• For Bristol City Council supported Services 501, 502, 505, 506, 507, 508, 511, 512, 513, 514, Wessex Services and Night Bus services N1 to N6 can be found on Wessex's Twitter Feed
• For all other services please contact the relevant operator, contact details can be found on www.travelbristol.org

Park and Ride

Visit the Travel Bristol website for information.

Coach services

See the National Express website.

Community transport

Please contact the relevant operator from our Community transport services page. 

Ferry services

• Bristol Ferry Boat Company - telephone 0117 9273416
• Number Seven Boat Trips - telephone 0117 9293659

Trains

Check the timetable information on the First Great Western website. 

Other services

Homeless

The emergency number for the homeless is 0117 353 4007.

Rough sleeping

Each year, the City Council and partners operate a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to find accommodation for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough in periods of particularly cold weather. This includes additional temporary hostel beds. The arrangements operate when temperatures are predicted to be zero centigrade or below for three nights in a row.

If you are worried about someone you think might be sleeping rough call St Mungo's Compass Centre on 944 0581 or contact the national rough sleeping helpline at 0300 500 0914 or visit the Street Link website.

Vulnerable and elderly people

If you're concerned about anybody in your area please contact Care Direct - telephone 0117 922 2700 during office hours. Out of hours and weekend emergencies contact Emergency Care Team 01454 615 165.

See the following advice to help you and your family keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home:

• Keep warm, keep well on the NHS Choices website.
• Get ready for winter on the Met Office website.

Cemeteries and crematorium

All open, but please check for arrangements for ceremonies - contact details are on our cemeteries page.

Children and young people

Contact one of our Social Work Assessment Teams, details can be found on our Child protection pages. 

Customer service points

You can visit one of our Customer Service Points for the latest information.

Libraries

View libraries opening hours for the latest information.

Parks

See our Parks and estates pages for more information.

Museums

See our Museums and Galleries pages for more information.