Met Office issues weather warning for snow and ice in East Lancs

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice next week.

The warning, which covers parts of East Lancashire, is in force from 10am on Monday (November 18) until 10am on Tuesday (November 19).

Burnley, the Ribble Valley and Pendle are covered by the warning.

The Met Office has warned of some disruption due to the weather.

There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected. There is also a small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable. There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off.

There is a slight chance that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times.

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.

 Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “A notable early winter cold spell will arrive across the north from Sunday and will likely reach all parts of the UK by midweek.  

“Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air. This introduces the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.”  

At this stage, there is much uncertainty in what we might see next week, with computer models showing a number of different scenarios. 

Weather warning for snow and ice (Image: Met Office)

Rebekah said: “There is a lot of uncertainty in what might happen after Sunday, but there are a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.

"It is possible that there may be some more widespread snowfall across lower ground, but the chance of this for any given region is low at this stage. What we do know is that the whole of the UK is likely to experience a spell of several days of cold, potentially disruptive weather next week.  

“Warnings for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, are possible, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”

Temperatures in East Lancashire could dip as low as -4°C next week, with the coldest weather set to descend on Thursday, November 21.

The UK Health and Security Agency has issued a cold health alert, which impacts the North West.

The yellow alert has been issued from 9pm on November 17 to 9am on November 21.

According to the alert, the weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and greater risk to life of vulnerable people.