Warning to motorists as blizzards hit northern England

A blast of snowy weather has brought blizzard conditions to parts of northern Britain along with treacherous road conditions.
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A band of wet weather swept in from the Atlantic Ocean this morning, bringing rain to many parts of the country and snow to Scotland and the higher areas of northern England.

North Yorkshire Police urged motorists to avoid high ground, citing snowy conditions in areas including Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale.

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In East Yorkshire, Humberside Police issued a flood alert for the North Sea coast from Bridlington to Barmston.

The force said: “Low lying land and roads will be affected first. Strong winds are likely to cause wave overtopping between 5pm and 9pm this evening along South Pier in Bridlington.”

In the Lake District, motorists got into difficulties in the white-out conditions on higher routes.

Cumbria Police’s road traffic unit tweeted: “Kirkstone Pass and The Struggle CLOSED. Several vehicles stranded & RTCs (road traffic collisions). Treacherous conditions. Please DO NOT go there.”

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The showers are expected to move away later today but the Met Office has issued a further warning for snow tomorrow and into Tuesday.

Met Office forecaster Chris Page said accumulations at lower levels are expected to be low but up to 10cm is possible at altitudes above 200m in the north of England from tomorrow.

Mr Page said wind gusts of up to 60mph are likely, especially in coastal areas, adding to the blizzard-type conditions.

He said: “It doesn’t necessarily mean that every single place within the warning zone will see snow. The nature of the showers is that it’s a hit-and-miss scenario.”

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The latest yellow “be aware” warning is in place for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from just after midnight tonight to 3pm on Tuesday. Mr Page said overnight ice will also be a possible problem for motorists.

Last night, rural parts of northern England experienced freezing temperatures, while in the Highlands the mercury fell to minus 7C (19F).

There are currently 16 flood warnings and more than 40 flood alerts in place across England and Wales, most covering western coastal areas.

Strong winds and higher than average tides have prompted a warning of flooding risk caused by large waves.

People walking on coastal paths and promenades are urged to take care, the Environment Agency said.