Severe weather warning

Date published: 01 February 2008

Rochdale braced itself for a second day of gales and snow today as winter returned with an Arctic blast.

A severe weather warning was in place as winds and heavy snow were forecast to sweep down from Scotland, blanketing the higher areas surrounding the town with up to 4 inches of snow.

Snow and ice today continued to make conditions on the M62 hazardous and many parts of Rochdale were lashed by hail.

Yesterday, winds gusting to 50mph and squally showers combined to create hazardous road conditions for commuters.

Police warned motorists to drive carefully as the snow turned to sleet. Wheelie bins blown into roads were another hazard.