The Met Office says snow, blizzards, gale force winds and freezing temperatures are set to bite the North of England and parts of the Midlands in the early hours of Thursday.

* CLICK HERE TO WATCH YEP WEATHER REPORT WITH SHIRLEY WHITEHEAD.

Yorkshire people can expect to wake up to at least 2cm of snow and those driving through the night are being warned to expect hazardous conditions. They have been urged to delay their journeys if possible.

The forecast comes after a day of traffic problems for local motorists who woke to a small covering of snow on Tuesday.

In Cookridge, Leeds, police were called to a minor bump at Otley Old Road, where ice had formed on Tinshill Lane.

And several buses were stranded by the icy road surface.

The Met Office is forecasting much worse conditions, tonight, however.
This evening is expected to be frosty before a band of rain and snow sweeps across the north of England and the Midlands overnight.

Some heavy snow is expected, and will be accompanied by a southerly wind reaching gale force in places, giving drifting and significant accumulations of snow, especially on higher ground in the north.

At lower levels in the north and in parts of the Midlands up to 2cm of snow is possible in places before turning to rain and clearing by late Thursday morning.

Throughout Thursday morning the snow will be replaced by sunshine and scattered showers. The snow will begin to thaw and the wind will moderate.

Drivers are being warned that the worst of the wintry showers could affect their journeys as they travel overnight and into Thursday morning.

Road users are advised to be prepared with warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow.

Drivers should plan their journeys before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions, leaving extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.

The Highways Agency warns that it can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so drivers should allow more room to slow down and stop. Avoid losing control of your vehicle because of wheel spin, by using the highest gear possible. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.

The Agency's winter fleet will be treating motorways and major A roads. Drivers should take care around spreading vehicles and vehicles clearing snow and only overtake if they can do so safely, without driving on any un-cleared snow.

Up to date travel information from the Highways Agency is available on DAB Digital Radio or online at www.trafficradio.org.uk or by loggiing on to www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo or by calling 08457 504030. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk