Snow brings North Yorkshire's roads to a standstill
Many cars and lorries were stranded on the A59 overnight
Last updated 10th Mar 2023
Drivers have been forced to abandon cars in parts of North Yorkshire overnight following heavy snow.
Emergency services tell us there were '18 miles of chaos' on the A59 - with many cars and HGVs stuck, stranded in the snow.
The Met Office still has an amber weather warning for snow and ice in place across Harrogate and the Dales.
It warned that the most severe weather was expected from around 3pm yesterday (Thursday, 9 March), lasting until noon today.
According to North Yorkshire Police, they have received multiple reports of "stranded vehicles and horrendous driving conditions" due to snow. This is particularly bad in Harrogate, Scarborough and Sutton Bank.
They are now advising people not to drive in the current conditions.
Earlier North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue put out a similar warning:
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the worst of the weather is expected in north-west Wales and northern England, where "gusts of easily 50mph" are on a collision course with "30 to 40cm of snow".
"The combination of heavy snow and gales is why we're likely to see blizzards and drifting snow which causes extra hazards on the roads.
"In places covered by amber warnings, there will be very difficult, treacherous conditions.
"Ideally avoid travelling in those periods - but if you have to head out then be aware that journeys could take significantly longer."