EAST Lancashire is likely to be hit by a “big dollop” of 10 to 15 centimetres of snow tomorrow, according to forecasters.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow with temperatures predicted to fall as low as -2C at night.

Already because of the cold snap, David Cameron’s Coalition government is sending out cold weather payments to low income households.

The £25 payment is automatically sent out to those who qualify when the temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of 0C or below for more than seven days in a row.

A further £25 payment is made for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.

People are eligible if they or their partner receives income support, jobseekers’ allowance or employment and support allow- ance and either have a child aged under five, are in receipt of pensioner, severe disability or disabled child premium, or are entitled to child tax credit for a disabled child or receive pension credit.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson welcomed the announcement. He said: “With the weather expected to remain extremely cold for the next week, it is important that people take particular care to look after themselves and their families.

“I was delighted that the government agreed to permanently increase the value of cold weather payments from £8.50 to £25 per week.

“These extra payments will help to make sure that some of the most vulnerable people in our community are not forced to choose between heating and eating during this cold spell.”

Charlie Powell, spokesman for the Met Office, said the snowy conditions were likely to continue into next week.

He said: “There is going to be a big dollop of snow tomorrow.

“There is even an amber warning for snow for East Lancashire.

“Temperatures are not going to be as low as you might think during the daytime, perhaps around 1C or 2C.

“The cold weather will probably last into the start of the next working week, although we have got mild air trying to push in.

“There will be further outbreaks of snow on Saturday, it will be drier on Sunday, but by Monday and Tuesday temperatures will still generally be below average and there may possibly be more sleet and snow.”

Schools information online

With more snow expected in East Lancashire this week www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk is the place to go for all the latest updates on school closures, travel, weather forecasts and more.

Check the site first thing in the morning for live updates of the latest school closures as well as details of problems on the roads.

If you’re out and about enjoying the snow send your photos to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk or tweet them to @lancstelegraph

And if you spot an empty grit bin or untreated road in your area, help our Grit Watch campaign by leaving a message at www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/gritwatch or sending us a tweet with the hashtag #LTgrit.