Yorkshire braced for heavy snow after temperature hits teeth-chattering -9C

As much as six inches of snow could fall in Pennine areas as the snowbelt spreads east this afternoon and evening before clearing away.

Motorists and rail travellers were being warned of significant disruption to their journeys and to take precautions before setting out.

The AA said it had dealt with double the usual number of call-outs yesterday.

Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box, chairman of the Local Government Association’s economy and transport board, said: “Councils have got more salt this year along with better plans to use it and new technology to make it go further.

“Residents can trust their council is doing all it can to keep roads open and traffic flowing.”

The coldest place on Thursday night was Chesham in Buckinghamshire at minus 11C (12F). In Yorkshire, the lowest temperature was minus 9C (16F) in Carleton in Craven.

The snow is expected to clear overnight from the region.

Tomorrow will be cold but sunny and next week it will remain cold but there is expected to be no more significant snowfall and conditions will be milder overnight than in recent days.