Snow warning for Thursday morning in Luton and Bedford

Weather watchers predict flurries could last for several hours
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Weather experts are predicting several hours of snow for Bedfordshire tomorrow morning.

Just days after parts of the county was battered by Storm Ciara and then Storm Dennis, the Met Office issued a yellow alert forecasting sleet showers overnight and snow for areas in and around Luton and Bedford on Thursday (February 27).

Some local weather watchers expect the falls could last for up to five hours in parts of the county as temperatures drop and wintry weather arrives from the west.

Bedford Borough Council confirmed their fleet of gritting lorries will be out from 6pm tonight ready to keep the highways clear.

And a spokesman for Luton Borough Council said: "We are expecting some wintry conditions overnight and into tomorrow morning.

"Our gritters will treating priority routes at around 10pm, and are likely to go back out at 4am."

A spokesman for the Met Office said today: "Rain and hill snow will move eastwards late Wednesday evening and during the early hours of Thursday and is expected to cause some travel disruption.

Bedfordshire is facing its first serious dose of snow this winterBedfordshire is facing its first serious dose of snow this winter
Bedfordshire is facing its first serious dose of snow this winter

"In parts of the Midlands, one-to-three centimetres of snow is likely above 150 metres. Away from hills, rain may turn to sleet and snow for a time over parts of the Midlands and the northern Home Counties.

"Accumulations at these low-levels will be mostly small, especially on roads, but a centimetre or so is possible in one or two places.

"Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road and public transport.

"Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

How the Met Office forecast looks for Luton on ThursdayHow the Met Office forecast looks for Luton on Thursday
How the Met Office forecast looks for Luton on Thursday

"Rain, sleet and snow will quickly clear by late morning and any snow at lower levels will soon thaw."

The Met Office alert kicks in at midnight tonight with temperatures tumbling towards freezing and is currently due to expire at 12 noon tomorrow, although that could be extended.