Severe weather alert

Severe weather alert for North and Midlands roads

Drivers are being urged to take extra care on motorways and major A roads overnight and tomorrow morning following a severe weather alert for snow.

Highways England has issued an amber ‘be aware’ alert across the North and Midlands in response to a Met Office forecast of snow, which comes into force at 10pm tonight and runs until 10am tomorrow morning.

A band of rain with occasional heavy rain across the North West is expected to turn to sleet and snow as it heads eastwards, crossing higher northern routes such as the M6 and A66.

Later in the evening, the snow will impact the higher sections of the Pennine routes, particularly the A66, M62 and A628, with up to 20cm of snow possible on higher sections by the end of the night.

The Met Office has predicted that overnight the rain, sleet and snow will continue to spread east and fall at lower levels through South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Snow is also expected across the North West and top parts of the West Midlands. During the morning, the sleet and snow is expected to turn to rain.

Highways England’s teams of gritter drivers will be working through the night to spread salt and keep traffic moving on England’s motorways and major A roads.

Drivers are being encouraged to check the forecast before they set off and make sure they have a winter kit in their vehicles, including an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets.

Drivers are also being advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting the www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.