So, just how much grit is left in Yorkshire... and which roads are getting it?

Emergency measures are in place to reduce the 60,000 tonnes used each day by councils across the country.

Local authorities, including those in Sheffield, Bradford, and East Yorkshire, have been forced to cut their use by a quarter, while the Highways Agency is not gritting the hard shoulder of motorways.

David Sparks, chairman of the Local Government Association Transport and Regeneration Board, said: "Councils will continue to work tirelessly to keep roads clear, people safe and essential services working. They will work together with others to economise salt usage and make sure salt gets to where it is needed most.

"As a result of the Government's recommendations, councils will focus more on gritting the most important roads so hospitals stay open and essential supplies of food and fuel get through. The safety of the travelling public is vitally important and this will be reflected in the measures councils take to conserve salt.

"Where stocks are low, councils will step up even further their efforts to share salt with neighbouring authorities.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has defended the rationing of grit, saying it would help keep the major road network open.

He told Sky News: "We have to take this as best we can at the moment. The Highways Agency has placed very big orders for imports of salt, they will start coming through towards the end of the month and into February.

"If we are faced with a second month of this exceptional weather, we will have substantial additional supplies on which we can rely."

Stocks are being monitored closely, with the national situation to be reassessed at the highest level on Tuesday when the Government's "Salt Cell" meets to direct distribution of new supplies. A Department for Transport spokeswoman said preparation for the twice weekly Salt Cell meetings was a continuous process and had been taking place over the weekend.