MOTORISTS are being warned of treacherous conditions on their way to work tomorrow morning.

Heavy rain and high winds are predicted and forecasters say this could turn into sleet or snow during the early morning.

Oxfordshire County Council has readied its 31 gritters and is urging commuters to keep in touch with news bulletins before deciding whether to take journeys.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay Gale, cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, said: "We are urging drivers to take extra care on Friday.

"We will be ready with our gritters, however treating roads is not a cure-all for tackling poor winter conditions. We need motorists to use common sense and drive to the conditions."

The council's fire and rescue service advises drivers to keep a blanket, shovel and wellington boots in the car during particularly bad weather.

During heavy rain, snow or hail it recommends using dipped headlights, but suggests fog lamps if visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less.

It adds that it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions and recommends driving slowly and leaving extra space to slow down or stop.

Before setting off, the fire and rescue service suggests completely clearing the car of ice and snow, fully demisting windows and, if the conditions are particularly bad, informing people of expected arrival time and route.