Call to think twice about driving during weekend's wintry weather
Gritters will be out across Lancashire to help keep the main routes clear
We're being asked to think carefully about our travel plans this weekend.
It's because more cold weather and snow is forecast.
Wintery showers are expected in Lancashire this afternoon (16 December), falling as snow over higher roads.
Heavy sleet and snow showers are expected to hit the county tomorrow (17 December), with icy conditions later in the day and into the evening.
More sleet and snow is forecast for Sunday (18 December), which is due to turn to rain during the evening as temperatures start to rise.
Strong winds are also expected, with some areas affected by blizzards.
Lancashire County Council says the expectation is that gritting crews will be working around the clock to try and keep traffic moving on the main routes.
All resources will be dedicated to the busiest roads, which could still stay icy if the sleet, snow and possible freezing rain continues to fall.
People are being asked to think about whether their travel is really necessary before going out, as some roads won't be gritted.
'Second priority roads' are being gritted during daylight hours to try and reduce the impact of the ice and snow as much as possible once it arrives.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
"The Met Office has issued a warning for some really severe winter weather to hit Lancashire over the weekend, and the specialised local forecasts we receive for roads indicate conditions will be very difficult.
"Please remember that we have to prioritise which roads we grit, with our focus being on keeping the main routes moving. No council has the resources to grit and clear snow on every road.
"Our highways teams will be doing their best to keep the main routes passable, but there is a limit to the effect that gritting the roads with salt will have during heavy snow, so I would ask people to think very carefully about whether it’s a good idea to try to travel in those conditions.
"The icy conditions over the past week mean that much of the material in our 2,600 roadside grit bins and salt piles has been used up, and our teams have begun refilling them, but have not yet had time to complete this task in every area.
"I know that people in Lancashire always pull together to help each other out as much as they can when we get severe weather like this. I'm grateful for people keeping a check on any friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable due to the cold, or may not be able to make an essential trip to the shops or pharmacist due to the icy conditions.
"Please stay safe and if you do need to venture out take care on the roads."
The county's 45 gritters can treat the council's priority road network within around four hours, but it may take longer in severe weather.
Depending on the conditions, farmers and contractors could be called in to help clear snow and offer more support when resources are stretched.
People who live on, or near, a gritting route are being asked to park considerately and leave room for the gritters to get past.