Snow and strong winds battering Rochdale

The Beast from the East and Storm Emma have combined to batter Rochdale and the surrounding areas.

Howling winds and incessant snow continue to affect the borough, many parts of which resemble a ghost town as people decide against venturing out.

Temperatures remain around -4C, but due to a bitterly cold wind it feels as cold as -11C.

Forecasters have said in areas above higher ground in Rochdale and Oldham there could be more snow showers throughout the day.

The weather is causing treacherous driving conditions on the roads, in particular the M62 junction 20 for Rochdale.

Buses are being affected, but continue to provide service. Information is being updated regularly on the TfGM website.

On the Metrolink, tram services are currently suspended on the Rochdale line through Oldham.

Tickets are being accepted on some buses, and Northern Rail services from Rochdale town centre through to Victoria.

The Met Office escalated a heavy snow weather warning for south-west England and south Wales to red - its highest level - meaning “widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely” from 3pm today.

A number of flights had been cancelled at Manchester Airport this morning.

Airport officials have also warned passengers to leave additional time to get to the airport due to potential issues on the road and rail networks caused by the snow.

The Met Office has issued further warnings as Storm Emma continues to move in from the west.

Named by the Met Office's Portuguese partners, the weather system is battering Britain only days after the ‘Beast from the East’ delivered yesterday and today's snowfall and plunging temperatures.

Yellow warnings for ice and snow have been issued for the north-west for tomorrow and Saturday.