DERBYSHIRE is bracing itself for heavy snowfalls throughout Friday.
Up to 10cm (four inches) of snow has been forecast to fall by Friday night.
Snow could continue intermittently through the weekend, up to Sunday morning, say weathermen.
It could be exacerbated by gale-force winds, causing drifting.
The AA has predicted difficult driving conditions due to what it called the weather "witch's brew".
Higher ground, such as the peak District could see more snow, with up to 20cm (eight inches) predicted to fall.
One school in the county - Monyash CE Primary School in Bakewell - has announced it will be closed if the snowfall arrives as expected.
Another head, Eddie Wilkes, Highfields School, in Matlock said: "We are aware of what the forecast is saying but also that it is only a forecast.
"We work on a basis that the school will be open if at all possible and it would be very unusual to announce any closure ahead of the day itself.
"Early tomorrow morning we will look at all factors, how much snow has fallen, how much more is forecast, the state of the roads and whether the school busses are running before even considering closure.
"We will also work hard to keep parents updated through our website and parentmail systems.
"We hope very much that Highfields will be open as usual."
A spokeswoman from East Midlands airport said there was a team on standby in order to deal with the heavy snowfall.
She said: "The airport has a contingency plan in place in case the weather does affect operations."
Keith Myatt, communications manager at Arriva, said the company hoped to be able to maintain their services.
Check the Derby Telegraph website for all the lastest weather news, travel news and school closures.
