MANY lower level Lakeland fells got a covering of overnight snow with intermittent flurries of snow, sleet and hail reaching towns and villages today.

This morning, the A592 Kirkstone Pass was closed both ways with slow traffic in the area due to a jack-knifed lorry and snow between Greenside Road and Townhead Brow.

The road re-opened at 10.20am, but police are asking people to seek alternative routes, particularly those not used to driving in the area who are using a sat nav.

Highways officials report that snow is heavy in the area and may cause a delay in recovery and that it  Affecting traffic between Windemere and Glenridding.

This morning another weather warning was issued for the North West by the Met Office - this time for ice and with an emphasis on Cumbria.

Valid from 5pm tonight until 11am tomorrow, it says: "Ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces during Friday night and early Saturday morning, particularly where showers have occurred during Friday.

"The showers will fall as sleet or snow over hills and to low levels in the north. The public is advised to take extra care.

"A band of rain, with hill snow, will move south across northern and central parts of the UK during Friday, followed by showers which will become confined to the north and west overnight.

"The showers will fall as snow over hills and even to low levels in the north. Clearing skies will allow the temperature to fall below freezing with ice a hazard on untreated surfaces.

Public Health England has also now warned that there is an '80 per cent probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and some snow between midnight tonight (Friday) and 6am on Sunday in parts of England'.

It says: 'This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.'

'The recent cold and unsettled weather is expected to continue through to the coming weekend," it says.

Have you got a picture of the snow in the area? If so, send to ellis.butcher@nqnw.co.uk