Met Office updates yellow weather warning as snow and ice set to hit Lancashire

The Met Office initially issued a yellow weather warning for snow which would come into force from 5am on Wednesday (January 13) until 9pm on Thursday (January 14).

But the warning, which is now a yellow warning for snow and ice, will now come into force from 8am on Wednesday, with the weather experts placing a greater emphasis on ice at the start of the warning period.

A number of Lancashire boroughs are covered by the warning, including Burnley, Ribble Valley, Rossendale as well as parts of Hyndburn, Lancaster and Morecambe.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Start time delayed, with greater emphasis on ice at start of warning period. Southern extent of warning area adjusted. Suggested snow amounts reduced slightly."

The spokesman added: "An area of rain pushing north-eastwards is expected to turn snow in places as it encounters colder air across Scotland and parts of northern England. At first the main hazard may be of rain falling onto frozen surfaces leading to ice, especially on higher level routes. However snow becomes more likely later Wednesday and at least for a time on Thursday.

"Heavier snowfall is more likely above 100 m in Scotland and above 200 m in England, where 5-10 cm of snow may accumulate, possibly 20 cm on highest routes.

"At lower levels, 2 - 5 cm of snow may accumulate in places, but the situation remains finely balanced, with the possibility that most lower-lying areas in northern England see rain or sleet rather than snow."

Here's what to expect:

- Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers, especially across higher routes, with potential for road closures.

- Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel

- Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

- Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be dangerous or even impassable, posing a greater risk of injuries and accidents.

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