The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for much of the UK, including Chester, Ellesmere Port, and Frodsham and Helsby, as the nation braces itself for snow, ice and high winds.

The region is affected by the warning which is in effect for 24 hours from 9am on Saturday.

A warning of wind and rain is in place for Saturday, from 6am to 6pm on Saturday, while a snow and ice warning is in place between 9am on Saturday until 9am on Sunday.

The full weather details from the Met Office are: “Freezing rain is expected to develop during Saturday, lasting into the early hours of Sunday. This may result in the formation of ice on roads, pavements, trees and other structures.

“Freezing rain is rare in the United Kingdom, but when it does occur impacts can be severe. Since it can form very quickly, it can be difficult to see, and incredibly slippery.

“Freezing rain is likely to change to snow before it dies out, and they will be accompanied by strong south-easterly winds which will pose an additional hazard to travel, in particular over high ground.”

For more advice on staying safe during extreme weather, visit www.metoffice.gov.uk/barometer/advice