WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's gritting fleet is heading out onto the roads again later as rain and snow showers continue.

Rain through the afternoon is predicted to be heavy at times, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground.

The heavy rain will continue overnight, turning to sleet or snow as road surface temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing.

Between 3-6cm of snow are possible, with up to 10cm in the north of the county.

Further outbreaks of sleet and snow are expected throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

Road surface temperatures will again fall below zero overnight, with the likelihood of icy patches forming.

The county council's gritting fleet will be going out onto the roads from 6.30pm today to treat the worst areas.

The fleet will then remain on standby, with crews ready to go out again at short notice, while the weather is monitored and road inspections carried out through the night to determine whether any further treatment is required.

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council's Highways Manager, said: "We're in for a spell of snow, slush and water on the roads, and whilst our teams will be treating areas as required over the weekend, we do ask drivers to remember that grit isn't a miracle solution and care is still needed when driving to minimise risks for yourselves and others on the roads."

Residents can keep up-to-date with #grittertwitter by following the County Council's Twitter account @worcscc twitter.com/worcscc.

Latest information on any disruption to public transport and services will be available on the county council's website worcestershire.gov.uk.