The Met Office has issued an 18-hour amber weather warning for snow and ice across Cheshire this weekend. The warning comes into force from 6pm tomorrow (January 4) until midday on Sunday (January 5).
Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning for ice has also been issued and is in place from 4pm today until 10am tomorrow. According to Met Office forecasters, snow is likely to hit the county on Saturday evening and will be heavy in some parts overnight.
The amber warning states: “Snow and freezing rain will likely lead to disruption to transport and some other services. Snow will become persistent and locally heavy as it pushes south to north across the warning area.
“As well as snow, a period of freezing rain is also likely bringing some hazardous travel conditions, before milder air follows across all areas by Sunday morning. Whilst there is some uncertainty in details, 3-7 cm of snow is likely for much of the warning area.”
Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions. We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales.
“Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”
National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, said: “If you are travelling this weekend, keep your distance and reduce your speed. Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.
“Even in conditions that seem normal and where the snow is not settling you could always experience slippery conditions. Drivers should plan their journeys, check their vehicles, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”
An amber cold-health alert has also been issued by the Government, covering the North West and Cheshire. It came into force from midday on Thursday and will remain until 12pm on Wednesday, January 8.
NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here