Near Savick Brook covered in snow Pic: Paul Melling

Heavy winds and snow showers are expected to lash Preston and Lancashire during the middle and end of this week.

The Met Office has issued the weather warning to run from Wednesday (11 January) evening until Friday (13 January) lunchtime.

The chief forecaster states: “Cold air originating over Arctic Canada will affect the area from Wednesday evening through Thursday, bringing snow showers and strong winds. Wind gusts up to 55 mph are expected in exposed coastal areas and on hills in association with snow showers, leading to temporary blizzard conditions.

“As well as reduced visibility, 2-5 cm of snow could accumulate anywhere within the warning area, with 10-20 cm possible above 300m.

“Lightning may accompany the heaviest showers, with potential disruption to power supplies as a consequence.”

Weather forecasters of warning of significant travel disruption during the period of cold weather.

Between Thursday night and Friday morning the temperatures overnight are expected to fall below freezing and stay as such during the nights through until Sunday.