They are advising drivers to ensure they are prepared and, if snowfall is very heavy, to consider if their journeys are absolutely necessary.

Drivers are being advised to check weather forecast and road conditions before they travel overnight tonight through to tomorrow morning as snow and freezing temperatures are being forecast for our region.

VOTE: Gritting - could more have been done to keep our roads clear and traffic moving in the snow?"

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Yorkshire and Humber, the North East, the North West and parts of the Midlands, with heavy and drifting snow and blizzards forecast overnight.

The Met Office is forecasting a frosty evening, before a band of rain and snow sweeps across the North of England and Midlands overnight. Heavy snow is expected, and will be accompanied by a southerly wind reaching gale force in places, giving drifting and significant accumulations of snow, especially on higher ground in the north. At lower levels in the north and in parts of the Midlands up to 2cm of snow is possible in places before turning to rain and clearing by late Thursday morning.

Throughout Thursday morning the snow will be replaced by sunshine and scattered showers, beginning to thaw and the wind to moderate.

All drivers are advised the worst of the wintry showers could be affecting their journeys as they travel overnight and into Thursday morning.

Insp. Phil Cottam from the police's motorway unit said: "Winter is definitely here and we are finding the roads very icy in the morning. This will undoubtedly lead to a number of problems on the roads for motorists, so our advice is to be prepared.

"Anyone intending to travel should make sure their vehicle is in good working order in terms of tyres, brakes and overall repair and it has enough petrol to get them where they are going – and home again.

"It is probably a good idea to have a number of essential supplies on board such as de-icer, a torch, map and even a small spade in case of snowdrifts.

"Warm clothes and suitable footwear is also a must. If the worst happens and drivers are stranded for any length of time it is imperative to try to keep warm. And for longer journeys, drivers should consider taking food and a flask containing hot drinks with
them."

Carrying a fully-charged mobile phone is also advisable – but a hand held mobile mustn't be used while driving.

Insp. Cottam added: "Even routine journeys can spell disaster if you are caught out by bad weather. If the weather hits as predicted, road conditions could become treacherous. My advice to anyone who has no option but to go out is to take care and ensure they are as prepared as they can be.

"Allow extra time for the journey and try to stick to more major roads which have been gritted."

Do you have a snow picture to send us? Simply email it to sally.dahmke
@eastlancsnews.co.uk

VOTE: Gritting - could more have been done to keep our roads clear and traffic moving in the snow?"

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