Up to eight inches of snow expected to hit Lancashire as weather warning issued

The yellow weather warning for snow and ice means there is a potential risk of injuries from falls and an increased chance of travel disruption and power cuts.

It covers most of the county including Preston, Lancaster, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, Rossendale, Hyndburn, South Ribble and Chorley.

The Met Office said 5-10cm of snow may accumulate on ground above 200m, with 20cm possible on higher levels.

The warning comes into force from 3am on Saturday (January 16) until 9pm the same day.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "An area of rain pushing eastwards is expected to turn snow in places as it encounters colder air across Scotland and parts of northern and eastern England.

"At first the main hazard may be rain falling onto frozen surfaces leading to ice, especially on higher level routes. However snow becomes more likely during the early morning. Heavier snowfall is more likely above 200 m in Scotland and northern England, where 5-10 cm of snow may accumulate, possibly 20 cm on highest routes.

"At lower levels and further south, 2-5 cm of snow may accumulate in places, but the situation is finely balanced, with the possibility that most lower-lying areas, especially in the east, will see rain or sleet rather than snow."

Here's what to expect:

- There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

- There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

- A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

- A small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become dangerous, posing a greater risk of injury.

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