GRITTERS will be out in force overnight tonight (November 18) as Flintshire and Wrexham councils prepare for the predicted cold weather ahead.

"Frequent and heavy snow" has been forecast for North Wales this week (November 18 to 24).

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for most of the region, including Wrexham and Flintshire.

This is due to snow and ice with the warning in place from 7pm tonight (November 18) to 10am on Tuesday (November 19).

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Wrexham and Flintshire councils have confirmed that gritting will take place in both counties overnight.

A spokesperson for Flintshire council said: "Gritting crews will be in from 6pm and will continue to treat all priority routes overnight. Day crews are due in at 6am tomorrow morning to take over."

Wrexham Council's Lead Member for environment Cllr Terry Evans said: “Winter conditions have been forecast for the next few days, with the possibility of some snow settling on untreated roads.

“Today’s forecast indicates some snowfall at all levels this evening, with the chance of winter conditions continuing for the remainder of this week.”

Wrexham Council says it treats about 40% of the highway network ahead of any forecast of winter conditions.  

The council has replenished the salt stocks in readiness for the upcoming winter season.

Its gritter drivers have been busy refreshing their training in readiness for their gritting duty rota which this year commenced on November 1.

Cllr Evans added: "The weather and road surface temperature forecast is received daily throughout the winter period, and decisions are taken around 1pm each day based on the forecast for the following 24 hours.

"Monitoring road conditions via our forecast provider and WCBC weather stations continues 24/7, and the teams are on standby to respond to the precautionary treatment or reactive treatment in the event of any unexpected change in the forecast or road conditions."