40 centimetres of snow expected to hit North Yorkshire- as amber warning issued
The Met Office is warning of "significant disruption"
Last updated 8th Mar 2023
Forecasters are warning 40 centimetres of snow could hit parts of North Yorkshire this week, leading to travel chaos and power cuts.
An amber weather warning has been issued for Harrogate and much of the Yorkshire Dales from 15:00 on Thursday.
Several milder yellow weather warnings for snow have also been issued, covering the rest of North Yorkshire over the next two days.
Drivers urged to take "extreme caution" as health warning put out
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed all regions of England under a level 3 cold weather alert - lasting until midnight on Thursday.
Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at UKHSA, said the cold weather could have a "serious impact" on people's health, particularly the elderly, while Age UK has urged people to check in with their older neighbours and relatives.
RAC Breakdown said there was "an increase in breakdowns" in a zone stretching west from London along the M4 corridor and into Wales.
Rod Dennis, from RAC, said: "We're continuing to monitor the weather situation closely, but with further snow expected over the next few days there is still the potential for some significant disruption to journeys.
"Even a little snow and ice can make roads treacherous, so we're advising everyone who does set out to proceed extremely cautiously.
"We're also conscious that there will be a large number of new drivers who may never have experienced snow on the roads before, so we urge them to take particular care and drive well within the speed limit to give themselves plenty of time to react should the vehicle in front run into difficulty."
Mr Dennis advised motorists venturing out to prepare for their journeys by packing warm clothes and blankets, sturdy footwear, food and drink, and a portable phone charger.