Highways teams preparing to keep East Lancashire moving as heavy wind and snow forecast to batter region

The Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings covering different parts of the county for high winds today (Wednesday) as Storm Dudley arrives, and yellow and amber weather warnings for potentially more severe winds from the early hours of Friday due to Storm Eunice.

There is also a yellow warning for snow as Storm Eunice arrives, with the risk of heavy snow particularly affecting higher areas.

The county council's highway teams are on standby to deal with whatever the weather brings, whether there's a need to remove downed trees, or close roads until hazards can be safely dealt with. The council's 45-strong frontline gritter fleet is also ready to treat the roads ahead of any wintry fronts, and highways staff will be keeping a close eye on the localised forecasts they receive as the weather picture develops.

People should report any urgent problems on the roads caused by the storms which do not require an emergency response to local police by calling 101, so they can pass any issues onto highway teams as necessary.

County Coun. Rob Bailey, lead member for highways and transport, said: "Our highways teams are well prepared to deal with all kinds of winter weather, and they're standing by to keep our roads moving in case they need to deal with fallen trees, or close roads in case damaged structures pose a risk to road users.

"I'd ask everyone to keep in touch with the latest advice from the Met Office, and particularly note the potential for dangers in exposed coastal areas with large waves expected as the storms approach from the Atlantic.

"As ever our gritting teams will be ready to treat the roads ahead of any wintry weather which Storm Eunice brings, however conditions could be particularly difficult in higher areas in the east of Lancashire and I'd ask people to be prepared and consider their travel plans on Friday morning."

You can find the latest advice from the Met Office at metoffice.gov.uk. Find more information and advice about travelling safely and keeping well over winter at lancashire.gov.uk/winter.