Summary

  • Parts of North and East Yorkshire are covered by an amber Met Office warning for snow and ice

  • Whitby, Scarborough, Filey plus the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds are warned to expect up to 25cm (10in) by the end of the day

  • Drivers have been warned to avoid travelling where possible and everyone is urged to prepare

Live Reporting

by Victoria Scheer and Eleanor Maslin. Edited by Allan Watkiss

  1. Updated school closure list

    We have received several reports of schools being affected by the weather conditions in North and East Yorkshire this morning.

    We are currently aware of the following closures:

    • East Ayton Community Primary School in Scarborough
    • Filey Secondary School
    • Graham School in Scarborough
    • George Pindar School in Scarborough
    • Springhead School in Scarborough
    • Welburn Hall School in Kirkbymoorside
    • Wheatcroft Community Primary School in Scarborough
    • Boynton Primary School in Bridlington
    • Bridlington School
    • Headlands School in Bridlington
    • Martongate Primary School in Bridlington
    • Wold Newton Primary School

  2. 'Some roads are impassable'

    Some rural roads in the North York Moors are "impassable" at the moment, AA patrol man Ben Westney in Pickering says.

    Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he says: "We've got some icy conditions on untreated surfaces this morning.

    "Preparation is the key, check your journey before you set off and allow extra time."

    Ben says it's crucial to de-ice your car before setting off, making sure all windows are clear with no snow on the roof, and to have a fully-charged phone with food and water and a torch.

    A man with a grey AA beanie and a yellow high vis AA coat looking to the side with BBC signage. It says he is live from Pickering and he is stood next to an open van.

    Drivers are being told to only make essential journeys

  3. School closures

    We have received several reports of schools being affected by the weather conditions in East and North Yorkshire this morning.

    We are currently aware of the following closures:

    • East Ayton Community Primary School in Scarborough
    • Graham School in Scarborough
    • George Pindar School in Scarborough
    • Springhead School in Scarborough
    • Wheatcroft Community Primary School in Scarborough
    • Headlands School in Bridlington
    • Martongate Primary School in Bridlington
    • Bridlington School

  4. Weather forecast

    A cold day with scattered showers, falling as sleet and snow in places, is expected across the region today, with top temperatures of 6C (43F).

    Later on this evening, showers are predicted to ease and it will become dry, clear and cold, although some showers could linger along the coast.

    A minimum temperature is predicted as -4C (25F).

    Any remaining showers are expected to clear tomorrow, leaving a dry day with sunshine and highs of 5C (41F).

  5. English Heritage site closed

    Rievaulx Abbey near Helmsley is closed today "due to heavy snowfall", its managers have said.

    Visitors are urged to avoid the area as the road in the valley has not been gritted and is "very dangerous".

    Any pre-booked tickets will be refunded, managers said, with an update on opening times expected on Friday morning.

    The picture shows the abbey on a wintry morningGetty Images

    Rievaulx Abbey is closed due to the current weather conditions

  6. Forest closure

    Dalby Forest in the North York Moors will be closed today due to the weather warning, Forestry England said.

    "Please take extra care if you’re travelling in the local area as conditions can change quickly.

    "Stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back to a winter wonderland once the storm passes," Forestry England Dalby posted on social media.

    A forest with trees covered in snow as well as a blanket of snow across the forest floorForestry England Dalby

    Dalby Forests spans over 8,500 acres

  7. Council prepared for snowfall

    Victoria Scheer
    Reporter at BBC Yorkshire

    North Yorkshire Council's corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, says teams are prepared for snowfall and will be able to move resources from other areas if needed.

    He told BBC Radio York regular meetings were held and changing conditions tracked “because it’s never an absolutely exact science”.

    The council also monitors areas with vulnerable residents to ensure access during severe weather and alerts farming contractors in advance when deep snow is expected.

    He adds that the county has around 100 ploughs available to support the council's response.

  8. Blanket of snow in Pickering

    Victoria Scheer
    Reporter at BBC Yorkshire

    Several towns and cities across North and East Yorkshire have woken up to wintry scenes.

    Images shared by BBC Weather Watchers this morning show a light blanket of snow settling over the market town of Pickering in North Yorkshire.

    Has it snowed where you are? Submit your pictures here.

    A roundabout covered in snow. Christmas lights illuminate the sceneBBC Weather Watchers/Simon the Terrier

    Snow has fallen overnight in Pickering

    Footpaths and roads appear to be covered in a thin blanket of snowBBC Weather Watchers/Simon the Terrier

    An amber weather warning is in place

  9. Met Office amber warning

    The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for snow across parts of North and East Yorkshire.

    The warning was put in place at 03:00 GMT and will remain until 21:00.

    A yellow warning for snow and ice is in force across a wider area until midnight.

    Frequent wintry showers, leading to significant snow accumulations, are likely to cause disruption on Thursday, the Met Office said.

    There could also be gusty winds, which could become blizzards at points, and potentially a few lightning strikes.

    A Met Office map showing East Yorkshire covered in yellow to indicate an amber and yellow warning for snow and iceMet Office

    Amber and yellow warning for snow and ice across East Yorkshire

  10. Welcome

    An amber snow warning is in force covering parts of North and East Yorkshire, including the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds.

    Follow this live page for information as it develops through the day