Lancashire snow, traffic and travel updates as Storm Larisa hits UK
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The Met Office has issued an amber warning for Lancashire and the North West where it says “significant disruption” to transport and power supplies is expected today.
The forecaster said the worst of the weather is expected in northern England where “gusts of easily 50mph” are on a collision course with “30 to 40cm of snow”.
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Hide AdNational Highways has issued a “severe weather alert” for snow covering the North West until 8am on Friday, with motorists warned not to drive unless their journey is essential.
Our live blog will keep you updated with the latest weather and travel news from across the county. Refresh for updates.
LIVE: Lancashire snow and traffic updates as Storm Larisa hits UK
Traffic at a standstill on the M62 motorway
There are severe delays on the M62 between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, which is partially blocked both ways with stationary traffic due to snow.
The motorway is blocked between J21 (Milnrow) and J24 (Ainley Top).
Snow ploughs continue to work along the stretch of motorway with reports on social media of some drivers being stuck on the road overnight. Not helped by snow drifts in the higher sections of the motorway.
Delays on M62 in Greater Manchester
National Highways is advising drivers that lane closures remain in place on the M62 in Greater Manchester while work continues to treat the carriageway with gritters and ploughs.
Heavy snowfall caused hours of delays between junctions 21 (Milnrow) and 22 (Denshaw) in the early hours of the morning and lane closures were put in place in both directions.
Work has been ongoing around the clock, although gritters and ploughs were hampered in their efforts by some road users illegally blocking the hard shoulder and Red-X lanes.
Lane 1 is still closed eastbound, with eight miles of congestion and 90-minute journey delays.
Lane 1 is also closed westbound, where there is one mile of congestion and 10-minute delays.
After yesterday’s severe weather alert National Highways staff spent the day spreading salt on key routes in preparation for the testing conditions.
The alert continued into this morning.
National Highways is asking everyone travelling in the region to consider if their journey is essential and to go prepared.
Delays with bin collections
Fylde Council is warning that bin collections that might be delayed due to snow affecting roads this morning.
The Council will share any updates about its services on its social media.
Grane Road closure
Grane Road is currently closed from the Holden Arms at the junction of Holcombe Road to the M65 in Blackburn.
Police are advising drivers to avoid the area and plan journeys accordingly.
Lancashire school closures
More than 70 primary and secondary schools have confirmed they will stay closed today, according to Lancashire County Council, with further closures expected to be announced this morning.