NOTTS woke up to a chilly start this morning – with snow predicted to fall throughout the day.
With temperatures expected to hover around freezing for the next few days, the gritting team at Notts County Council has been out in force, spreading 200 tonnes of grit on the main roads of the county.
Charles Powell, a forecaster at the Met Office, said the recent cold spell was down to cold air from the north-east.
"We've had very mild conditions in recent weeks, due to mild air from the west. But the cold air from the north-east of the UK is now starting to take control of the country.
"There's a battle between the cold and mild air and the cold air is winning."
Mr Powell said a small amount of snow was expected in parts of Notts last night.
But more was to be expected this afternoon and potentially more tomorrow.
"Motorists should take extra care due to icy conditions," he added.
Andy Warrington, service director for highways at Notts County Council, said the authority had plenty of grit to cope with potential extreme weather.
A team of 21 gritters was distributing 200 tonnes of salt on roads all over the county last night .
With snow expected today, an extra shift of gritters was also tasked to salt roads from 6am.
"We have increased the gritting budget to £2.79 million this year and had 22,000 tonnes of salt brought into stock, which is 12,000 tonnes more than Government recommendations and 7,400 tonnes more than last year.
"We have about 16,000 tonnes left, which is more than enough."
Councillor Richard Jackson, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "We have stockpiled more salt than ever before and will be doing everything possible to respond to adverse weather conditions in the coming weeks."
Glenise Martin, secretary of Nottingham Elders' Forum, is urging older people to stay indoors, keep their windows shut at night, have plenty of hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day.
She said: "Old people leave their windows open at night-time but when it is like this, you really can't afford to do that.
"And getting plenty of hot drinks and making sure you have at least one hot meal a day is also very important.
"Lots of old people just eat biscuits and sandwiches because they don't think it's worth bothering to cook, especially when they live on their own.
"But it is worth it.
"And they should not brave the cold when conditions are as icy as this.
"Old people's bones break much more easily when they slip.
"Walking on icy roads can be very dangerous for the elderly."
Birklands Primary and Nursery School, in Appleton Street, Warsop, will be shut to all pupils today, because of heating problems. Staff will still attend.
The closure was reported to the county council on Friday.
