The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Cumbria and Lancashire for tomorrow and Friday.

The North West has been put on amber alert with residents being informed to be alert and ready for severe weather.

The Met Office has said that there is a 60 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions between 1800 on Thursday and 0000 on Saturday in the region.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Road users are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel as gale force winds are expected.

“The amber alert is for high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes, whose drivers and riders are advised to take extra care when travelling due to the increased risk of vehicles being blown over.

“They are also advised to avoid exposed stretches of road if at all possible.”

Lindsay Dovey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "In western Scotland and north west England there will be snow over the high ground, and sleet and hail at low levels.

"Gusts of wind up to 60mph are expected across western parts of northern England, and temperatures will range from 1C (33.8F) in Scotland to 11 (51.8F) in the south of Britain."

There are reports that Main Street in Hawkshead has been blocked both ways because of a fallen tree near The Square.