Lancashire County Council has issued a statement to remind residents that they are on standby to ‘keep the county moving’ during the upcoming storms.

The Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings for high winds from 1pm today (Wednesday 16 February) as Storm Dudley arrives and yellow and amber weather warnings for severe winds from the early hours of Friday due to Storm Eunice.

There is also a yellow warning for snow as Storm Eunice arrives, with the risk of heavy snow particularly affecting higher areas.

Read more: Hour-by-hour weather forecast as Preston braces for Storms Dudley and Eunice

County Councillor Rob Bailey, the lead member for highways and transport, said: “Our highways teams are well prepared to deal with all kinds of winter weather.

“They’re standing by to keep our roads moving if they need to deal with fallen trees or close roads in case damaged structures pose a risk to road users.

“I’d ask everyone to keep in touch with the latest advice from the Met Office and particularly note the potential for dangers in exposed coastal areas, with large waves expected as the storms approach from the Atlantic.

“Our gritting teams will be ready to treat the roads ahead of any wintry weather, but conditions could be difficult in higher areas in the east, and I’d ask people to be prepared and consider their travel plans on Friday morning.”

Read more: Storm Eunice: Met Office updates Preston weather warning to amber

The storms bring the potential for disruption to travel due to wind-blown debris and the risk of property damage.

The Met Office warned of a possible risk due to flying debris, so people should take particular care along the coast due to the likelihood of large waves.

The county council’s highway team said they are on standby to deal with whatever the weather brings, whether there is a need to remove downed trees or close roads.

Read more: Preston weather: Met Office extends strong wind warning as Storm Eunice to arrive

They said the council’s 45-strong frontline gritter fleet is ready to treat the roads ahead of any wintry fronts, and highways staff will be keeping a close eye on the localised forecasts they receive as the weather picture develops.

Residents should report any urgent problems on the roads caused by the storms that do not require an emergency response to local police by calling 101.

For more information, visit – lancashire.gov.uk/winter

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