Warnings issued as snow starts to fall in East Lancashire

Social media users have been sharing images of snow, which has started to fall in recent hours.

At the time of writing, flurries of snow have been reported in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Bacup and beyond. 

The snow has impacted bus routes between Rawtenstall and Burnley.

Snow falling in Burnley (Image: NQ) A spokesperson for the bus company Rosso said: “Due to the snow and dangerous road conditions Irwell Line 483 is unable to serve its normal route between Rawtenstall and Burnley.

“Buses are instead operating via the X43 route through Crawshawbooth.

“We are really sorry for this.”

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice and snow, which is in force across East Lancashire until 11am on Tuesday.

In Blackburn, snow is forecast from 7pm until around 4am with temperatures expected to dip to -2°C this evening, although it could feel more like -5°C due to strong winds.

An amber cold health alert has also been issued for the North West, which is in place from now until November 23 at 6pm.

These alerts are issued when the forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services.

The council’s gritting teams have been out in force this evening, treating “priority routes”. In East Lancashire, these are routes in Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, Pendle. 165 miles in Blackburn are set to be gritted in Blackburn.

A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the borough overnight.

“Please look out for other people who may need support to get access to food and medicines, or who may struggle with the drop in temperature.

“Meteorologists have placed parts of the UK, including Blackburn with Darwen under a snow and ice warning from today, Monday 18 November to Wednesday 20 November.”

Is it snowing where you are? Send your pictures to Jack.Stott@newsquest.co.uk.