THE Met Office has today issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.

This is the lowest of the Met Office's three warnings system and is valid from 12.10am tomorrow until 10am tomorrow.

In its forecast for the whole of the North West the Met Office says: "A weather system will cross to the south of the warning area early on Friday.

"This will bring rain to many areas but snow is likely over some of the higher ground.

"Even at lower levels there is a risk that rain may turn to snow before it clears eastwards - but this not happening everywhere.

"The snow could be heavy on hills, giving five cm (1.9 inches) or so, but on lower ground temporary accumulations of up to two cm (0.7in) seem more likely.

"Following clearance at the end of the night, there is an increasing risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces. The public should be aware of the potential for hazardous driving conditions."