A NEW wave of snow and icy conditions is set to hit Notts today.
Up to 10cm of snow is forecast to fall in the area – setting the scene for a white and frosty weekend.
Temperatures plummeted to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius in the early hours of yesterday morning and today it is not set to get much warmer than minus 2 degrees.
A spokeswoman for the Met Office said: "I think you will find the snow starting in Nottingham towards lunch-time (today), it will carry on through much of the afternoon and you will be looking at 5cm. "As you go out of the city and into the hills you could be looking at 10cm."
The spokeswoman said there could be some snow showers tomorrow as well, but that the main snow fall was expected to be today. Sunday is expected to be dry but misty.
Some Notts schools have already announced they will be closed today, including Bracken Hill School, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and Newark Orchard School.
Most non-league football matches are expected to be called off this weekend , while the Notts County versus Sheffield Utd game at Meadow Lane on Saturday will depend on a pitch inspection at 1pm today.
That could also affect whether the Nottingham Rugby game against Llandovery goes ahead at Meadow Lane at 8pm tomorrow.
Mansfield Town's away trip to Stockport looks doubtful, but it looks likely that Forest's big match tomorrow against Derby County at Pride Park, will still go ahead.
Notts Police have issued a warning over driving conditions over the next few days.
A spokesman for the force said: "Our advice is to remain vigilant, exercise caution on the roads and pavements and be well-prepared for any journeys. Ensure you have an ice scraper, de-icer, warm clothes, blanket and shovel in your cars."
Notts County Council says extra staff are on standby over the next few days to make sure meals on wheels deliveries are still made. A spokesman said 4x4 vehicles were available if required.
Councillor Kevin Rostance said: "Many of our customers are housebound during snowy or icy weather so our delivery service is even more crucial at this time."
The county council says it will keep its parks open for as "long as conditions allow", which includes Bestwood Country Park, Sherwood Forest and Rufford Abbey.
Patrick Candler, head of parks at Notts County Council, said: "We are advising people to monitor weather reports and check relevant websites."
Nottingham City Council and Notts County Council will be out gritting the roads this weekend.
A spokesman from the city council said: "The council is determined to keep the city moving and has 3,100 tonnes of road salt and can call on another 14,000 tonnes if needed.
"Up to seven gritters are hitting the roads on days when the temperature falls below 0 degrees and more than 150 workers are available for hand-gritting in emergency situations."
Passengers travelling on East Midlands Trains today and tomorrow are being advised to check ahead of travel.
