Watch out for possible Severe Weather if driving in Cumbria or the North West this evening

Drivers are being urged to take extra care, especially on motorways and 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.

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

Highways England’s grit spreaders will be out this evening  on motorways and major A roads.

Drivers are 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.

Source: Cumbria Crack

Further information can be found by visiting www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.