THE Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as snow is expected to hit the region.

The warning for Widnes and Runcorn comes into force from midnight on Tuesday, January 16 until Thursday, January 18.

Meteorologists have warned that “frequent” snow showers and ice are likely to cause disruption to travel and that there are chances of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Roads and railways are expected to be affected with longer, disrupted or cancelled journey times by road, bus and train services. Power cuts may occur and there is a chance rural communities could become cut off.

Experts have also warned that there is a chance of snow-covered roads leading to stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

A Met Office Spokesperson said: “The heaviest and most frequent snow showers will be across northern Scotland during Wednesday morning, before developing across parts of southwest Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and Wales later in the day.

“Snow showers are likely to continue during Wednesday night and well into Thursday. Whilst accumulations will vary due to the nature of showers, 2-5 cm of snow is expected in many places. Where showers become more organised, there is a chance some low-lying areas could see 10 cm in a few hours. Across northern Scotland over 20 cm of snow could build up in a few locations.”