WEATHER warnings for snow, ice and wind have been issued for Bolton tomorrow.

They come as the area is set to be hit by freezing temperatures and heavy snow overnight as what is being labelled the 'mini beast' hits the country.

A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued to run from five past midnight tomorrow until 11.55pm.

The Met Office is warning that a band of rain will turn to snow overnight as temperatures fall below freezing and it will be followed by more scattered showers of snow throughout Saturday.

Snow showers are predicted to continue into the evening in Bolton and temperatures are not expected to go above freezing on Saturday.

The feels like temperature is expected to be as low as minus nine into tomorrow night.

People are being warned that ice could also form when the snow melts and to be aware of traffic and travel delays, including train cancellations.
A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We are expecting potential severe weather this weekend and our team of gritters are ready.

“We will be out tonight at 11.30pm and again tomorrow morning in the early hours at 4am gritting the main route network.

“The council has seven gritting vehicles, along with a smaller vehicle which is used to target narrower roads and high spots.

“On a main route grit, the team cover a total of 317 miles - more than half of the road network.

“We will keep a close eye on weather conditions and grit throughout the weekend as required.

“We would advise people to be prepared, allow extra time for journeys and check their vehicle to make sure it is ready and safe for winter driving.

 “Remember that even if there is grit on the roads, the salt can take time to be effective. Also if there is heavy snowfall it can be difficult for any amount of grit to work properly.” 

A further weather warning has been issued for wind to run from five past midnight until 11am tomorrow.

People are being urged to be careful as very strong gusty wind is likely during Saturday morning.

This could add to problems on the road and on trains with journeys likely to take longer than usual.

Richard Leonard, Highways England head of road safety, said: “Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock, but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.

“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.”

Temperatures will remain below freezing overnight into Sunday and more snow could fall in the early hours of the morning.

It will remain around freezing for most of Sunday but things are looking bright next week.

No snow is predicted for next week and temperatures will rise to around eight degrees in Bolton by Thursday.

Public Heath England has issued a cold weather alert and the elderly and people with heart and lung conditions are being urged to keep their homes warm and keep an eye on the forecast.

The latest warnings come after the Beast from the East caused chaos across the UK and many schools in Bolton were forced to close their doors.

Send us your snow pictures to pictures@theboltonnews.co.uk