A WEATHER warning issued in Leigh and other areas of the north west has been extended by forecasters.

The Met Office had warned residents yesterday, Tuesday, to prepare for snow and ice later this week, issuing a yellow weather warning.

This was initially put in place between midnight tomorrow, Thursday, through to 10am the following Friday.

However, this warning has now been extended and brought forward, coming into force instead at 8am tomorrow and remaining in place through to 11am on Friday.

The service says the update has extended the weather warning area further south, while the warning validity has also been extended.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Frequent wintry showers arriving from the west during Thursday evening and overnight are likely to lead to a fresh covering of snow for areas above 200m.

Leigh Journal:

“This is mainly around 2cm to 5cm, with possibly as much as 10cm over highest ground where showers are most frequent.

“Falling snow below this level may cause some temporary slushy accumulations, which then may freeze and cause dangerous, icy patches where skies remain clear for long enough.

“Winds will be gusty around heavier showers, and there is also a risk of lightning strikes from isolated thunderstorms in some coastal districts.”

According to the weather warning, some roads and railways will likely to be affected, with longer journey times by road, bus and train.

Some icy patches will probably form on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

There is also a risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.