WEEKEND SNOW WARNING: Snow, sleet, rain and more strong winds set to hit North West

Flooding and strong winds battered the region earlier this week and now the MET Office say ‘wintery showers’ of rain, sleet and snow and more strong winds are set to hit the North West this weekend.
Picture shows white on the tops of houses in the Ribble Valley. Photo Thomas Temple/Rossparry.co.ukPicture shows white on the tops of houses in the Ribble Valley. Photo Thomas Temple/Rossparry.co.uk
Picture shows white on the tops of houses in the Ribble Valley. Photo Thomas Temple/Rossparry.co.uk

The MET Office has just issued a Level 2 Cold Weather Alert and a Yellow weather warning for snow and strong winds.

The UK’s national weather service warned people that there is a 60 per cent chance of severe weather, with average temperatures of 2C or below, the possibility of wintry showers, overnight frost and a chance of icy patches over the next 48 hours.

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A spokesman said: “The region is going to see quite a change in the weather over the weekend as cold air spreads South from the North.

“Temperatures have been quite high and quite mild this month going well into double figure Celsius readings.

“But they will drop down to somewhere around four or five degrees on Saturday and Sunday.

“With that cold air coming the region will see some wintery showers of rain, sleet and snow.

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“Hills may get a little bit of cover but the ground is still quite warm and so I don’t think anything will stick too long.

“There is quite a strong North wind so there will be a wind chill on Friday and Saturday.

“The showers will clear and it should be dry during the day on Saturday but more wintery showers are expected on Saturday night.”

Because of the warning Public Health England North West is reminding people to look out for vulnerable others and take care when out and about.

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Dr Rosemary Mc Cann, Deputy Director for Health Protection, PHE North West said: “People should check weather forecasts before heading out, ensure they wear lots of thin layers, and have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm. “They should also wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls.

“When indoors it’s critical that people stay warm, particularly if they are 65 or over, have long term health conditions or young children.

“As there is a likelihood of ice and snow this week, it’s also advisable to be aware of risks and clear snow and ice from pavements if possible.”