Weather warning issued as snowfall expected in East Lancs tomorrow

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning saying there is a risk of snow showers in Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Burnley, Ribble Valley, Colne and Nelson from noon tomorrow.

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing and could be as low as minus three degrees in the county tonight.

A spokesman said: "Scattered wintry showers will spread in this evening and overnight. It will be chilly with a patchy frost and a risk of ice.

"Rain, sleet and snow showers will continue tomorrow morning. A band of rain, sleet and snow will then spread in during the afternoon giving accumulations in places."

The cold weather is expected to ease on Wednesday but could return on Thursday. The spokesman added: "Rain and snow clearing Tuesday night, then dry and sunny Wednesday. Largely dry and bright on Thursday but risk of overnight snow, clearing on Friday."

Lancashire's highway teams have today urged people to park carefully to make sure the gritters can do their job during the coming cold snap.

Dwayne Lowe, Lancashire County Council highways manager, said: "Our drivers have real problems trying to get through on parts of some gritting routes because people are badly parked.

"We're concerned that some roads which should be gritted could become icy over the coming days if the gritters can't get through.

"When snow is forecast we often put down a lot of grit to try to prevent the snow from sticking, and we won’t be able to do that in some places if people are parked in the way."

County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, added: "I understand that people need to be able to leave their cars somewhere, and there is pressure on parking in some areas, however I'd ask everyone to make sure they are leaving enough room for a large vehicle to pass.

"If a gritter can't get past, neither will some emergency services vehicles, and I'd ask people to consider the potential consequences.

"Our gritter drivers take their task very seriously and do a great job in sometimes dangerous conditions. I'd ask everyone to help them and everybody who uses the roads by thinking about how they park."

To find out where the gritting routes are in your area, and for advice on travelling safely, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/winter.