Drivers in the North West are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel overnight tonight.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the North West, Yorkshire and Humber, the North East, and parts of the Midlands, with heavy snow, drifting snow and blizzards forecast overnight.

The Highways Agency, which operates and maintains motorways and major A roads in England is working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.

The Met Office is forecasting a frosty Wednesday evening, 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 2 cm 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.

All drivers are advised that the worst of the wintry showers could be affecting 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 are advised to plan their journeys before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions, to leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.

It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so 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.

Listen to travel news on your car radio or tune into the Highways Agency's Traffic Radio, which is available on DAB Digital Radio or online at www.trafficradio.org.uk.

Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo or by calling 08457 504030. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.

The Highways Agency's winter fleet, including the new orange vehicles, will be out 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. These vehicles are performing essential work to help keep roads open and may be traveling at low speed.