Preston is expected to see a dusting of snow

Preston and Lancashire are set for an icy blast to begin the first week of March.

Emergency services are warning of difficult driving conditions across the road network as temperatures drop and winds pick up.

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Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is warning drivers to slow down as it has seen a number of rush hour collisions since Monday.

A statement from the force said: “With winter conditions forecast for the next two days, please take extra care on the roads particularly early in the mornings during rush hour. We have attended a number of road traffic collisions where cars have gone off the road due to the road condition in the last 24 hours.”

A sudden icy downpour around Junction 28 of the M6 on Wednesday morning saw a car spin out of control and collided with a van and a lorry. Another collision on Tuesday morning also involved three vehicles.

A snow and ice warning is in force from the Met Office covering the city and surrounding area from Wednesday night through to Friday afternoon.

The forecast for Wednesday night says ‘clear spells between showers will allow ice to form on untreated surfaces’.

A break in the weather is then expected during daytime on Wednesday with snow forecast from Thursday evening onwards.

The chief forecaster states: “A developing low pressure system is expected to move southeastwards across the UK on Thursday, bringing a band of rain which is expected at times to turn to sleet or wet snow. The main risk of accumulating snow is during Friday on high ground of northern England and north Wales above around 200 m, where 2 to 5 cm is expected. Above 300 m around 10 cm or more could accumulate, with some drifting possible in the strong winds which develop around the periphery of the low pressure centre.”

This snow warning remains in force until 3pm on Friday 4 March.