This page gives advice on how to prepare for winter including how to get information about local service disruptions and weather during severe weather conditions.
Severe weather can cause problems on the roads which can lead to delays in journey and delivery times, as well as causing problems for road-based council services such as rubbish collection.
Weather can also cause problems for public transport such as trains and buses.
To find out up to date information on traffic and public transport the BBC Radio Lancashire website is updated every three minutes with traffic and transport news.
Lancashire County Council is the main authority for roads and highways in Preston. They manage services such as road gritting and general highway maintenance. For information about how they are preparing for winter go to their Getting ready for winter... page.
The winter season usually lasts from November to March. Precautionary gritting (salting) is carried out at carefully judged times before freezing occurs to prevent frost and ice forming on road surfaces.
If snow accumulates then snow ploughs are sometimes used to clear roads prior to gritting. Precautionary salting is usually carried out during the evening or in the early morning preceded by an inspection in marginal conditions. In periods of severe weather additional gritters and snow blowers can be mobilised.
Winter gritting routes are available on the Lancashire County Council map.
There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. If you decide to clear snow and ice from the pavement please follow the Direct Gov clearing snow guidelines.
If you become at risk of flooding the Environment Agency are the main authority for help and assistance. See our flooding page for more information.
For information on weather warnings for the area see the Met Office: North West England, severe weather warnings page.
Keep up to date with latest information by following us on Facebook or Twitter. For updates on gritting, path and road clearing you can follow Lancashire County Council's winter Twitter feed and Lancashire County Council's Facebook.
Lancashire County Council have produced a page of information on unavoidable school closures.
Directgov have some handy advice on preparing for winter on their Get ready for winter pages. Advice includes protecting your home, keeping healthy and preparing your vehicle for the winter.
For advice on keeping warm and well this winter see the Direct Gov Staying warm in winter pages. This includes looking after yourself, keeping your home warm and downloadable guides for the over 60's, families and people with disabilities and long term health problems.
The best way to prepare for severe weather is to keep informed on Met Office updates. These can be checked via the Met Office website.
Most importantly, during severe weather conditions don't take risks, take care!
Information on gritting by Lancashire County Council
If you require help with something in this section, please contact us.
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