Cold weather alert issued as Blackburn braces for snow

National Highways also confirmed that more than 500 gritters are prepared to hit the roads when snow is forecast, on Thursday (February 8) and Friday.

A yellow cold weather alert is in force across the UK between February 7, at 6am, and February 9, at 8pm.

Minor impacts are expected across the health and social care sector, including increased use of health care services by the vulnerable population.

National Highways said 535 gritters are based at 128 depots across the north west.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “There is a snow weather warning on Thursday and Friday in the north west.

“We’ve got 535 gritters based at 128 depots across the road network. We’re ready – make sure you are.

“Help us by giving gritters time and space to do their job and allow more time for your journey.”

The Met Office says parts of Lancashire could experience its second heavy snow and ice of the winter since January, with warnings for snow this Thursday, February 8, and Friday, February 9.

The warning covers Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Burnley, Nelson, Colne and the rest of Lancashire and is in place from 6am on Thursday until 6am on Friday. 

The first snow and ice warning is in place all day on Thursday, with possible delays on the roads, potential impacts to rail and air travel, potential power cuts, and a risk of injury due to slips and falls.

The Met Office said: "There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

"There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off.

"There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

"There is some uncertainty with respect to the rain and snow boundary, and the northern limit of the snow, and so details may change in the coming days as confidence increases in these aspects."