WARNINGS have gone out to residents as the region prepares for the coldest night of the year so far.

Lows of -2 degrees C are forecast for tonight and also tomorrow.

Public Health England urged people to take extra care as a level three Cold Weather Alert was issued for all regions of England.

There is a 99% probability of icy conditions between now and midday on Tuesday, in the North West. 

Bolton Council gritters will hit the road at 6.30pm, commencing a full route grit with eight drivers.

The Met Office said frosts may also be severe at times. As winds fall, there is an increasing risk of freezing fog patches forming.

Where freezing fog lingers, temperatures may stay sub-zero all day and cold weather currently looks set to last into early next week.

People should also be aware of the possibility of black ice on roads and snow in high places.

In the North West, the snowy weather will mainly affect the Pennines and Cumbria.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “In bad weather, motorists can very easily find themselves stranded because of the sudden changes so it is vital they take every precaution when setting out on any journey.

"Checking the local weather regularly and making sure you have the right kit in the car – warm, waterproof coat, blankets, boots, a shovel and a fully charged mobile phone is essential.

“Some breakdowns are avoidable through maintenance and preparation."

Network Rail said it had thousands of rail engineers working "day and night" to prevent delays in travel.

Following the cold weather alert from the Met Office, Sue Edge manager from Anchor’s St Lukes Court in Victory Street will be taking extra steps to ensure that her residents stay warm and safe this winter. 

Manager Sue Edge warned that risks of falling among older people are high in the cold weather.

She said: “Anchor is urging the wider community to keep a close eye on elderly neighbours and their older relatives who may live alone and are more vulnerable in the cold weather. 

“We recommend older people have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps to keep up energy levels up during winter.

“Wrap up warm and wear several light layers of warm clothes. Wear footwear with a good grip if you need to go outside on cold days, take extra care if you go out.”

Develop Training Ltd (DTL), the UK’s leading training and consultancy specialist, which has a training centre in Bolton, is sharing its top winter driving tips.

Chris Wood, Chief Executive at DTL, advises: “Although Christmas is over, it feels as though winter is only just beginning, which can make driving a difficult task but there are ways you can ensure that your journey will be a safer one.”

“It is important to remember that during fog, rain and snow, visibility is impacted upon significantly.

"In some parts of the country, visibility has dropped to less than 100 metres this month.

"We have also seen vast amounts of flooding. With snow on its way, it is important to ensure full concentration when you are in the driver’s seat.”

In rain and snow, DTL recommends motorists are extra vigilant when it comes to pedestrians, cyclists and bikers.

Ensure windscreens are kept clean at all times to aid vision; use warm water and spray screenwash, as well as wipers.

Turning the air conditioning to ‘hot’ will help to clean condensation inside your car.

Another top tip is to use the kerb on your left hand side as a guide to where you are, if road positioning becomes a problem.

Chris adds: “It is especially important to drive at a safe, manageable speed in harsh weather.

"This will allow you to stop well within a safe time if you come across obstacles.

"Wetness on the roads means that stopping distances are doubled and a permanent 5mph drop in speed limits is advised.”