National Highways issues amber weather alert for snow on high roads in North West

Lancashire Police in the snow on January 16 this year

A number of roads in the North West are classed as being ‘a significant risk’ to vehicles due to the forecast weather.

National Highways, who manage the motorway and key road network, has issued an an amber severe weather alert which means that ‘there is a significant risk to vehicles’ on certain roads.

This alert is separate to the existing yellow weather warning for snow issued by the Met Office.

Roads captured by the warning are not in Preston or the wider Lancashire area – which are covered by the Met Office warning – but may affect drivers taking on longer journeys this evening.

The National Highways warning is in place from 7pm tonight (18 November) until 10am tomorrow (19 November).

The North West roads affected are the A628 (Woodhead Pass, Windle Edge), A66 (Old Spittal, Stainmore), M62 from junctions 21 to 23, the A69, the M6 at junction 39 for Shap and the M56 motorway that leads to Manchester Airport.

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.” 

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.