Snow latest - LIVE BLOG (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

6:33pm

Hazardous driving conditions due to snow and ice on A562 between A562 Speke Road / Ditton Road (Ditton Roundabout) and A561 Speke Boulevard as the road hasn't been gritted.
 

5:13pm

The predicted heavy snow this afternoon did not materialise in Halton and just an odd shower is now predicted for tonight.

The Met Office is forecasting another cold night and is warning ice will be a problem for motorists over the weekend.

A thaw could be a few days away...

5:09pm

You can email your snow pictures to us over the weekend at barbara.jordan@nqnw.co.uk or tweet us @runcornworld.  You can also post a picture on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/runcornwidnesworld

4:15pm

3:47pm

Ice will be the main hazard over the weekend, warns the met office.

3:36pm

AROUND 50 homes are thought to have lost power on Runcorn Road, Moore, after a HGV lorry crashed into a power line earlier today.

A spokesman from Scottish Power said engineers were currently working to switch customers to a different electricity supply.

Police have been at the scene moving the vehicle and Scottish Power have confirmed the damaged electricity pole will have to be removed and replaced which could take a few hours.

3:29pm

Children are having fun tobogganing in Widnes. It's like a winter wonderland in Victoria Park.

3:22pm

Halton Council grits 308km of roads in Runcorn and Widnes. That's 47 per cent of the borough's road network.

2:54pm

14 Runcorn schools and 23 Widnes schools have closed because of the snow.

2:31pm

While some snow may fall again this afternoon, it is ice that is likely to be the biggest problem on the roads over the weekend.

Snow is not forecast for Saturday or Sunday according to the Met Office.

But the temperature will remain close to zero meaning the snow will be slow to thaw.

1:41pm

This picture was taken at St Chad's School in Runcorn by Liam Fairclough

1:40pm

1:26pm

1:23pm

Main roads clear in Widnes, take care on side roads

1:17pm

THE North West Ambulance Service says it has cancelled a lot of today's transport to and from Warrington Hospital.

The appointments will be rearranged where possible.

1:15pm

Pewithall, Gorsewood, Moorfield, Beechwood, Warrington Road, Grange, Ashley and Heath schools closing early

1:07pm

HEALTH chiefs are bracing themselves for high numbers of patients who have suffered injuries after slips, trips or falls in the snow.

Mike Cheshire, NHS north west medical director, said: “We need older people and those who have long-term conditions to make sure they keep taking their medication and have sufficient supplies so that they don’t need to go out for more during the cold spell.

“We also need everyone to help our A&E and 999 teams by only using them for life-threatening and urgent conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents.”

Anyone with a common complaint or non-life-threatening condition are advised to contact their GP, dial NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 / NHS111 or go and see their local pharmacy for advice and help.

12:43pm

Paul Quinn sent us this wintry picture of the Runcorn Widnes Bridge

12:41pm

All bus services running as normal at present.

12:02pm

Daresbury School is closing for the day and Our Lady Mother of the Saviour will close at lunchtime.

The Holy Spirit School is letting parents know that pupils can be picked up but they will remain open as long as pupils are in the school.

11:53am

Hayley Percival sent us this picture of a robin at Moore Nature Reserve keeping the bird watchers company

11:35am

Due to the heavy snow Halton Council will be closing all the grass pitches in both Runcorn and Widnes this weekend.

11:32am

SCHOOLS are closing early today in Halton because of the snow.

Astmoor, Runcorn All Saints, St Mary’s, Halebank and Murdishaw are shutting at lunchtime.

The Brow is still open but has limited access.