Preston motorists are being warned of difficult driving conditions as temperatures plummet this week.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and ice from Monday (15 January) evening onwards.

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The warning centres on a period from 4am on Tuesday (16 January) to 6pm on Wednesday (17 January) where temperatures will fall below freezing.

The chief forecaster’s assessment states: “A slush cover of 1 or 2cm seems more likely at lower levels and closer to the western coasts, some areas seeing very little or no snow.”

On higher ground (above 100m) then two to six cm of snow is forecast.

Read more: When Preston awoke to snow – here’s your pictures

Lancashire County Council has its 45 gritters out to treat all major routes across the county.

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor Keith Iddon said: “We’re prepared for some wintry showers overnight and into tomorrow morning. We will be treating affected priority routes this evening, before this weather front arrives. We will then continue to treat routes overnight.

“Our gritters have been busy at times during colder spells this winter. We are always prepared for winter weather.

“I’d ask people to check the weather conditions before you travel and allow extra time for journeys if necessary. Drive according to the conditions at all times, as surfaces could be slippery even on treated roads, particularly if we experience the winter weather that’s been forecast.”

The snow warning is then followed by a warning of high winds from Wednesday evening until Thursday lunchtime.

Gusts of 60-70mph are expected across the North West.