A five-day government health warning is in place for Preston and the wider North West with temperatures set to dip and snow forecast.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the government agency responsible for public health protection, has joined the Met Office and National Highways: North West in issuing a warning.

The warning is in place from today until 6pm on Saturday (23 November) and comes as reports of snow falling in areas of Preston begin to come in.

Read more: Longridge Does Christmas returns with food stalls, late-night shopping and market

The warning states that the weather is likely to result in a rise in deaths, particularly among those 65 and over or with health conditions, an increase in demand for health services, low temperatures in hospitals and care homes, challenges in keeping indoor temperatures at 18C, staffing issues due to travel delays and challenges to sectors such as transport and energy.

Darren Clark, National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.  

“Keep your distance and reduce your speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.  

“Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.”  

The Met Office snow warning – different to a cold weather alert – is in place from 7pm today (18 November) until 10am tomorrow (19 November) and warns of similar conditions.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines