RESIDENTS are being urged to report roads that need to be gritted as East Lancashire braces itself for an icy blast.

The relaunch of the Lancashire Telegraph Grit Watch campaign comes as wintry conditions were predicted for the area overnight.

And we want you to let us know about ungritted roads, empty salt bins or treacherous pathways.

A yellow weather warning for ice and snow has been issued by the Met Office for tomorrow, with the chilly temperatures due to continue into Thursday.

Salt was being spread on all priority routes by Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council today.

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Temperatures are due to drop as low as 0C tonight , although when factoring in the wind chill, it could fall as low as -5C.

County Coun John Fillis, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We're well prepared for the wintry weather with over 30,000 tonnes of salt in stock and 49 gritters at our 10 depots across the county.

"We were gritting some routes from lunchtime today ahead of the sleet and snow which is forecast to affect higher ground.

"I'd ask everyone to be very careful as moving traffic is needed to mix the grit with the snow and ice before it takes full effect, and roads may still be icy even after they've been gritted depending on the conditions."

Coun Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen's executive member for environment, added: “We monitor the weather every day and make a decision by afternoon on gritting. 

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A Met Office spokesman said people should be aware of potential disruption to travel.

He said: "Hail, sleet and snow showers will ease through the morning. A quieter interlude will follow before heavy rain, perhaps preceded by snow, and gales or severe gales arrive later.

"Ice is also likely to be a hazard."

The weather is due to remain wild for Thursday, with another warning in place for wind.

To get involved, send a text to 80360, starting your message with LT, email lt_editorial@nqnw.co.uk, call 01254 298217, visit www.facebook.com/lancashiretelegraph or Tweet @lancstelegraph using the hashtag #LTGrit

Don't forget to send pictures if you spot empty salt bins or sheet ice on untreated roads.