BLIZZARD conditions hit Wigan yesterday, causing havoc for those trying to to and from work and school.
Snow is expected to fall throughout the weekend before freezing temperatures set in for most of next week.
Council chiefs confirmed that some of the borough’s primary schools closed on Friday because of snow and many more let children leave early as the snow continued through the day.
Willow Grove Primary School, Westleigh St Paul’s CE Primary School, St Jude’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery, St James’s Catholic Primary School, Marsh Green Primary School and Nursery and Leigh Westleigh Methodist Primary School were among those to close first.
Motorists were warned by police to take care over the days ahead as the weather makes driving hazardous.
They also want residents to look out for older and vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods as temperatures plummet potentially making them prisoners in their own homes.
Drivers are being advised to listen out for latest weather and traffic news on local radio and give themselves extra time to make journeys.
They should also make sure that winter strength screen wash levels are topped up and that they remove snow and ice from all windows and lights of their vehicles before setting off.
Driving to road conditions are particularly important at this time of year and drivers should keep speed down, brake smoothly and in good time and take extra care on bends and slopes.
Carrying emergency items such as a shovel, extra warm clothes, a hot drink and snack and a fully charged mobile phone will help they say if you get into trouble.
If you must leave your vehicle please ensure that it is not blocking the road or causing a hazard to other road users.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett from GMP said: “We have plans in place along with other emergency services and partners to keep people safe and try to ensure that life continues as normally as possible when we have heavy snowfalls and freezing conditions.
“People can help by following the advice given here when travelling and being prepared if they should fall foul of the predicted weather conditions.
“Please make an extra effort to ensure that older and vulnerable neighbours are warm, well supplied with food and hot drinks and are generally OK.
“You should also keep an eye on news bulletins on the changing weather picture and follow GMP on Facebook and Twitter @gmpolice #snow for the latest advice and information.
“By taking a little extra care and looking out for each other we can ensure that everyone stays safe from the dangers that the predicted conditions can bring.”
But of course there were some Wigan folk, mainly young ones, who were delighted with the weather conditions.
For weather updates click here and for live traffic updates click here
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