FORECASTERS have heightened the weather warning for snow and ice across Wirral this weekend.

Heavy snow showers are expected to cross the North West between 12am to 11.55pm on Sunday, December 10.

Today (Friday) and Saturday, snow showers will occur throughout the day and into the evening.

On Sunday, an Amber warning has been released and a spell of heavy snow is very likely over parts on Wales and Northern England. 

It is expected that 10cm of snow will fall in the Amber warning area.

Road, rail and air travel delays are likely, as well as stranding of vehicles and public transport cancellations.

Rural communities have been warned that there is a good chance that tehy could become cut off.

The chief forecaster said: "A band of rain, heavy at times, is expected to move eastwards over the UK.

"With cold air in place, a spell of heavy snow looks likely to develop on its northern edge.

"10 cm looks likely quite widely within the warning area, with 15 to 20 cm in places.

"There is increasing certainty in the track and location of the heaviest snow."

Icy surfaces will be a likely hazard especially as temperatures drop overnight.