Schools close as weather turns region into winter snow go zone

And the bitter winter weather is set to continue, with forecasters predicting more showers and icy conditions for the county over the coming days.

Temperatures are expected to plummet to -2 or -3C (28F to 26.6F) this evening and the Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” warning for ice between Saturday and Monday.

Yesterday, Sheffield was unexpectedly hit with several inches of snow, making driving conditions difficult in parts of the city. In Bradford, several schools were closed during the morning and buses in the city, as well as in Calderdale, were delayed by up to an hour.

In Doncaster, despite no snow falling, a training session took place for snow wardens – a group of volunteers who are learning how to spread snow and grit during the winter months.

Over higher ground and towards the Pennines, up to 5cm (2in) of snow fell and Northern Rail reported minor delays on the railways.

Claire Austin, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said a mixture of rain, sleet and snow would fall this evening and icy conditions were likely.

She said: “Looking ahead to the weekend, it will be staying cold and there will be isolated wintry showers. We are expecting, especially on Friday, one or two showers, so it’s going to freeze. There could be snow over high ground.”