DRIVERS across the north are being urged to take extra care on motorways and major A roads this evening, into tonight and throughout tomorrow morning.

Following Met Office warnings for sleet, snow and high winds across the north the Highways Agency has now issued an Amber ‘be aware’ alert for snow lasting from 5pm today until 11am tomorrow, Thursday January 29.

Commuters in particular are being warned to take extra care through this evening’s and tomorrow morning’s peak travel periods and to check weather and travel conditions before setting out on journeys.

The alert has been issued with a Met Office forecast of snow showers spreading across the North West, Yorkshire and the North East tonight. The showers could become frequent in bands - with higher routes likely to have in excess of 10cm on the ground.

Combined with strong northerly winds gusting between 40mph and 50mph the snow showers could cause drifting in places – potentially leading to poor visibility, difficult driving conditions and traction issues for some vehicles.

The Highways Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, is strongly advising that journey times in a number of areas is likely to be extended with journeys possibly disrupted.

Higher sections of the M6 and trans-Pennine routes are most at risk including parts of the A69, A66, M62 and A628. However, other routes around Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster and Manchester could also be affected by smaller accumulations of snow.

Road users should heed messages on overhead signs and listen for radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Drivers should ensure they are prepared in the event of their journeys being disrupted by severe weather including wearing or packing suitable clothing and a winter driving kit.

Further winter driving advice is available at highways.gov.uk/winter