COUNCIL chiefs are warning of disruption tomorrow due to forecast persistent and possibly heavy snow.

A snow warning for Cumbria was upgraded earlier today to amber - the second highest alert level.

The Met Office says a "spell of persistent and heavy snow" is expected to fall from tonight through until tomorrow morning.

The warning, covering the north eastern part of the county, is in place between 9pm tonight and 5am tomorrow.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place for much of the county.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: "Early indications are this snow is likely to have the greatest impact in the north-east of the county, up to 20cm of snow is forecast in worst affected areas.

"The snow is expected to clear east before dawn on Thursday but wet and windy conditions are also expected over the next few days."

Travel delays are possible on roads with a risk that some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.

School closures and delays or cancellations to rail and air travel are also possible.

The council is urging people across the county to check road conditions before travelling.

"Some rural communities could become cut off. Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone, may be affected," said the spokesman.