Snow in East Lancashire - Tuesday (From Chorley Citizen)

7:14am

It's still chilly in East Lancashire this morning, but no school closures are currently reported.

Here's the latest weather forecast:

5:57pm

Here's the latest weather forecast for the region:

Keep sending your photos and let us know about grit bin problems for the Grit Watch campaign page.

2:23pm

Check out our gallery of photos of snow scenes around East Lancashire: http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/photos/january_2013/snow_in_east_lancashire/

11:57am

11:37am

EAST Lancashire has been warned to brace itself as it enters a severe cold snap.

Weather forecasters issued warnings yesterday to the North West as up to 4cm of snow was expected with more predicted to fall today.

The Met Office has a yellow level two weather warning in place over East Lancashire until tomorrow, alerting residents to ice, snow and bitter temperatures.

The cold weather is expected to last for at least a week, with temperatures dropping to -5C on some nights.

The snow and ice means that travel disruption is being anticipated for many.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “With difficult travelling conditions likely, road users are urged to take extra care and check the latest forecast and road conditions before travelling.

“We have a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art winter vehicles on standby, supported by tried-and-tested winter resilience plans.

“Our roads will be treated whenever there is a risk of ice or snow. However, even when roads have been treated, drivers should still take care, especially on stretches where the local road layout or landscape means there could be a greater risk of ice forming.”

Both Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire County councils said their gritters would also be out in force.

The county council has also urged businesses to be ready for the severe weather as its winter service team prepares for the harsh months ahead.

Gritting crews have been out and about around the county since October in anticipation of winter weather.

County councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, said: “It is important to be prepared for winter. You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it.

“There are some very simple measures you can take that make all the difference between staying open and having to shut up shop.

“We are advising businesses to check their heating and roofing, stock up on grit and have the equipment ready to clear car parks and entrances to buildings if bad weather hits. The Government has also issued advice on clearing snow. There's no law stopping you from clearing the pavement or public spaces outside your business.”

The AA has warned that 75 per cent of drivers are not prepared for conditions on the roads, and urged drivers to carry an essential winter kit and check their cars before getting behind the wheel.

Online retailer Amazon is also taking advantage of the big freeze as the sales of sledges had surged by 600 per cent this week.

11:23am

Judy Farrar sent us this picture of a snowy Colne parish church:

10:22am

Michelle Thornton sent us this picture of her 18-month-old grandson, Lucas James Phillips, playing in the snow for the first time:

10:20am

Michelle Thornton sent us this image of snow falling in Colne:

10:10am

10:08am

Don't forget you can help us keep the authorities informed about empty grit bins and untreated roads in East Lancashire - follow this link to our Grit Watch campaign page.

10:05am

EAST Lancashire is being warned to expect more wintry weather today and later into the week.

Snow started to fall yesterday afternoon and remains on the ground across East Lancashire today.

The Met Office says Monday will remain cold and cloudy with rain, sleet and snow throughout the morning.

There is expected to be 'significant accumulation' of snow on higher ground.
This afternoon the weather is expected to become brighter, with wintry showers and a breeze developing. Maximum temperature will be 4 °C.

Showers of rain sleet and snow will continue into the evening, but it is expected to be dry overnight. A hard frost is expected, with temperatures dropping to -3 °C.

Tuesday will remain cold and bright, with a chance of scattered showers in the morning and a maximum temperature of 2 °C.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “With difficult travelling conditions likely road users are urged to take extra care and check the latest forecast and road conditions before travelling.”